Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ATIVAN versus HALCION.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ATIVAN versus HALCION.
ATIVAN vs HALCION
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Benzodiazepine that potentiates GABA-A receptor activity by increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening, leading to neuronal hyperpolarization and inhibition.
Triazolam is a benzodiazepine that enhances the effect of GABA at the GABA-A receptor, increasing chloride ion conductance and causing neuronal hyperpolarization, leading to CNS depression.
2-3 mg orally divided 2-3 times daily; up to 10 mg/day. IV: 2 mg slow IV push, may repeat in 1-2 hours; max 10 mg/day. IM: 0.05 mg/kg (max 4 mg) 2-4 hours before procedure.
0.25 mg orally once daily at bedtime, maximum 0.5 mg per day.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life is 12–18 hours (mean ~14 h). In elderly, hepatic impairment, or obesity, half-life may be prolonged up to 30 hours.
Terminal elimination half-life is 1.5–5.5 hours (mean 2.5 hours). Short half-life minimizes next-day sedation.
Renal: lorazepam is primarily excreted as inactive glucuronide conjugates; <1% is excreted unchanged. Total: ~95% excreted in urine, ~5% in feces.
Primarily renal (80%) as conjugated metabolites; fecal (8%); unchanged drug <1%.
Category C
Category C
Benzodiazepine
Benzodiazepine