Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ATIVAN versus PAXIPAM.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ATIVAN versus PAXIPAM.
ATIVAN vs PAXIPAM
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.
PAXIPAM (flurazepam) is a benzodiazepine that enhances GABA-A receptor activity by binding to the benzodiazepine site, increasing chloride ion conductance and producing 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.
5-10 mg orally every 8-12 hours as needed; maximum 40 mg/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 30-40 hours in healthy adults; prolonged in elderly and hepatic impairment.
Renal: lorazepam is primarily excreted as inactive glucuronide conjugates; <1% is excreted unchanged. Total: ~95% excreted in urine, ~5% in feces.
Renal excretion of unchanged drug and glucuronide metabolites accounts for 60-70%; fecal excretion accounts for 20-30%.
Category C
Category C
Benzodiazepine
Benzodiazepine