Dosage guidance:
Safety: Reduce dose or avoid use in patients receiving opioids or with significant chronic disease (eg, respiratory compromise). Avoid use in patients with a history of substance use, misuse of medications, or depression (Ref).
Anxiety, monotherapy or adjunctive therapy (alternative agent): Note: Generally used short-term for immediate symptom relief until preferred therapy (eg, serotonin reuptake inhibitor) is effective (eg, 4 to 6 weeks, followed by tapering). Long-term therapy (eg, 3 to 6 mg/day) may be considered in select patients when other treatments are ineffective or poorly tolerated (Ref). Use with caution in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder; benzodiazepines may worsen symptoms (Ref).
Initial: Oral: 6 to 18 mg/day in equally divided doses. Initial course of treatment should not last longer than 1 week without reassessment of the need for a limited extension. Optimal dosage range: 6 to 30 mg/day. Limited experience with doses up to 60 mg/day.
Debilitated patients: Initial dose: Oral: 3 mg/day in divided doses; may adjust dose cautiously based on response and tolerance.
Discontinuation of therapy : Unless safety concerns require a more rapid withdrawal, gradually taper to detect reemerging symptoms and minimize rebound and withdrawal symptoms (Ref).
Low or moderate dose, no concerns for benzodiazepine use disorder: Taper total daily dose by 20% to 25% every week based on response and tolerability (taper increments will be limited by available dosage forms) (Ref).
Extended or high-dose therapy, or suspected benzodiazepine use disorder: Taper total daily dose by approximately 25% every 1 to 2 weeks based on response, tolerability, and individual patient factors (taper increments will be limited by available dosage forms) (Ref). Reduce dose more rapidly in the beginning and slow the dose reduction as the taper progresses because earlier stages of withdrawal are easier to tolerate (Ref). The optimal duration and taper increment will vary; up to 6 months may be necessary for some patients on higher doses, and a taper rate of 50% every week may be tolerated in some patients (Ref).
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling; initiate therapy conservatively and titrate cautiously.
Mild to moderate impairment: There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling; initiate therapy conservatively and titrate cautiously.
Severe impairment: Use is contraindicated.
Anxiety: Oral: Initial dose: 3 mg/day in divided doses; may adjust dose cautiously based on response and tolerance.
Discontinuation of therapy : Refer to adult dosing.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
Frequency not defined: Nervous system: Ataxia, dizziness, drowsiness, drug abuse, drug dependence, withdrawal syndrome
Postmarketing:
Cardiovascular: Cardiac failure, hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia
Dermatologic: Pruritus, skin rash
Endocrine & metabolic: Change in libido, decreased serum glucose, increased serum glucose
Gastrointestinal: Gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting, xerostomia
Genitourinary: Urinary incontinence
Hematologic & oncologic: Decreased hematocrit, decreased hemoglobin, decreased white blood cell count, leukocytosis
Hepatic: Increased serum alanine aminotransferase, increased serum alkaline phosphatase, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, increased serum bilirubin
Nervous system: Abnormal dreams, anxiety (can be rebound anxiety on withdrawal), confusion, depression, disorientation, emotional disturbance, euphoria, fatigue, headache, hyperactive behavior, impaired consciousness, mood changes, myasthenia, nervousness, seizure
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Muscle spasm
Ophthalmic: Blurred vision, diplopia
Respiratory: Respiratory depression
Hypersensitivity to bromazepam, other benzodiazepines, or any component of the formulation; myasthenia gravis; narrow-angle glaucoma; severe hepatic impairment; severe respiratory disease; sleep apnea
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Anterograde amnesia: Benzodiazepines have been associated with anterograde amnesia (Nelson 1999).
• CNS depression: May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; effects may be potentiated by other CNS depressants, psychoactive medication, or ethanol. Patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving).
• Paradoxical reactions: Paradoxical reactions, including hyperactive or aggressive behavior, have been reported with benzodiazepines; risk may be increased in adolescent/pediatric patients, geriatric patients, or patients with a history of alcohol use disorder or psychiatric/personality disorders (Mancuso 2004).
• Sleep-related activities: Hazardous sleep-related activities such as sleep-driving, cooking and eating food, and making phone calls while asleep have been noted with benzodiazepines (Dolder 2008).
Disease-related concerns:
• Depression: Avoid use in patients with depression because of concerns about worsening mood symptoms, particularly if suicidal risk may be present, except for acute or emergency situations (eg, acute agitation, status epilepticus) (Craske 2022).
• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment; dose adjustment may be necessary. Use is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment.
• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dose adjustment may be necessary.
• Respiratory disease: May cause respiratory depression; use with caution particularly in patients with preexisting or chronic respiratory disease and concomitantly with other respiratory depressive agents. Use is contraindicated with severe disease.
Special populations:
• Debilitated patients: Use with caution in debilitated patients; may experience greater adverse effects. Limit dose to smallest effective amount and increase gradually and as tolerated to avoid adverse reactions.
• Older adult patients: Use with caution in older adults; may experience greater adverse effects. Limit dose to smallest effective amount and increase gradually and as tolerated to avoid adverse reactions. Older adult patients may be at an increased risk of death with use; risk has been found highest within the first 4 months of use in older adult dementia patients (Jennum 2015; Saarelainen 2018).
• Fall risk: Use with extreme caution in patients who are at risk of falls (elderly); benzodiazepines have been associated with falls and traumatic injury (Nelson 1999).
Dosage form specific issues:
• Lactose: May contain lactose; do not use with galactose intolerance, congenital lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption syndromes.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
• Concomitant use with opioids: In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of bromazepam than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid is initiated in a patient already taking bromazepam, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Abuse, misuse, and substance use disorder: Counsel patients at increased risk on proper use and monitoring for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and substance use disorder. Institute early treatment or refer patients in whom substance use disorder is suspected. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required.
• Appropriate use: Does not have analgesic, antidepressant, or antipsychotic properties.
• Withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms can occur hours to weeks after drug discontinuation and can occur when dose is tapered; symptoms can last for months. A longer sleep-onset latency and increased awakenings during sleep may occur for 1 to 2 days following the discontinuation of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated (GABAergic) medications. A more severe withdrawal syndrome may rarely occur following abrupt discontinuation or large decreases in dose after sustained use (>10 days), and is characterized by new-onset agitation, ataxia, depersonalization, dizziness, dysphoria, fatigue, headache, hypersensitivity to stimuli, irritability, muscle cramps or pain, nausea, sweating, twitching, vomiting, and weakness. This withdrawal syndrome generally resolves within weeks or upon reinitiation of the GABAergic medication. Intermittent dosing may reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms (BAP [Wilson 2019]).
Not available in the United States.
May be product dependent
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, Oral:
Generic: 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 6 mg
May be administered with or without food.
Note: Not approved in the United States.
Anxiety: Short-term, symptomatic treatment of severe anxiety
Beers Criteria: Benzodiazepines (bromazepam) are identified in the Beers Criteria as potentially inappropriate medications to be avoided in patients 65 years and older due to risk of abuse, misuse, physical dependence and addiction. In addition, older adults have increased risk of impaired cognition, delirium, falls, fractures, and motor vehicle accidents with benzodiazepine use. However, benzodiazepine use may be appropriate in the elderly when used for seizure disorders, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorders, benzodiazepine or ethanol withdrawal, severe generalized anxiety disorder, or periprocedural anesthesia (Beers Criteria [AGS 2023]).
Lexotan [multiple international markets] may be confused with Loxitane brand name for loxapine [U.S.]
Substrate of CYP1A2 (major); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the Lexicomp drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Alcohol (Ethyl): CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Alcohol (Ethyl). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alizapride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Azelastine (Nasal): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Blonanserin: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Blonanserin. Management: Use caution if coadministering blonanserin and CNS depressants; dose reduction of the other CNS depressant may be required. Strong CNS depressants should not be coadministered with blonanserin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Brexanolone: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Brexanolone. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Brimonidine (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bromopride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bromperidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Buprenorphine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Buprenorphine. Management: Consider reduced doses of other CNS depressants, and avoiding such drugs in patients at high risk of buprenorphine overuse/self-injection. Initiate buprenorphine at lower doses in patients already receiving CNS depressants. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Cannabinoid-Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Chlormethiazole: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Monitor closely for evidence of excessive CNS depression. The chlormethiazole labeling states that an appropriately reduced dose should be used if such a combination must be used. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Chlorphenesin Carbamate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cimetidine: May increase the serum concentration of Bromazepam. Risk C: Monitor therapy
CloZAPine: Benzodiazepines may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CloZAPine. Management: Consider decreasing the dose of (or possibly discontinuing) benzodiazepines prior to initiating clozapine. Monitor for respiratory depression, hypotension, and other toxicities if these agents are combined. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
CNS Depressants: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
CYP1A2 Inhibitors (Moderate): May increase the serum concentration of Bromazepam. Risk C: Monitor therapy
CYP1A2 Inhibitors (Strong): May increase the serum concentration of Bromazepam. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Daridorexant: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dose reduction of daridorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of daridorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of daridorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
DexmedeTOMIDine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of DexmedeTOMIDine. Management: Monitor for increased CNS depression during coadministration of dexmedetomidine and CNS depressants, and consider dose reductions of either agent to avoid excessive CNS depression. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Difelikefalin: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dimethindene (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Doxylamine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Doxylamine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
DroPERidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider dose reductions of droperidol or of other CNS agents (eg, opioids, barbiturates) with concomitant use. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Esketamine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Flunarizine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunarizine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Flunitrazepam: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunitrazepam. Management: Reduce the dose of CNS depressants when combined with flunitrazepam and monitor patients for evidence of CNS depression (eg, sedation, respiratory depression). Use non-CNS depressant alternatives when available. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
HydrOXYzine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider a decrease in the CNS depressant dose, as appropriate, when used together with hydroxyzine. Increase monitoring of signs/symptoms of CNS depression in any patient receiving hydroxyzine together with another CNS depressant. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ilaprazole: May increase the serum concentration of Benzodiazepines. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ixabepilone: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Kava Kava: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Kratom: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Lemborexant: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dosage adjustments of lemborexant and of concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when administered together because of potentially additive CNS depressant effects. Close monitoring for CNS depressant effects is necessary. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Lisuride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lofexidine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Magnesium Sulfate: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Melatonin: May enhance the sedative effect of Benzodiazepines. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Methadone: Benzodiazepines may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Methadone. Management: Clinicians should generally avoid concurrent use of methadone and benzodiazepines when possible; any combined use should be undertaken with extra caution. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Methotrimeprazine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Methotrimeprazine. Methotrimeprazine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Reduce the usual dose of CNS depressants by 50% if starting methotrimeprazine until the dose of methotrimeprazine is stable. Monitor patient closely for evidence of CNS depression. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Metoclopramide: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
MetyroSINE: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of MetyroSINE. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Minocycline (Systemic): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nabilone: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
OLANZapine: Benzodiazepines may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of OLANZapine. Management: Monitor closely for hypotension, respiratory or central nervous system depression, and bradycardia if olanzapine is combined with benzodiazepines. Use of parenteral benzodiazepines with IM olanzapine is not recommended. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Olopatadine (Nasal): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Opioid Agonists: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Orphenadrine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Orphenadrine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Oxomemazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Oxybate Salt Products: Benzodiazepines may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Oxybate Salt Products. Risk X: Avoid combination
OxyCODONE: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of OxyCODONE. Management: Avoid concomitant use of oxycodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Paraldehyde: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Paraldehyde. Risk X: Avoid combination
Perampanel: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Piribedil: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Piribedil. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pramipexole: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Pramipexole. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Procarbazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b: CNS Depressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b. Specifically, the risk of neuropsychiatric adverse effects may be increased. Management: Avoid coadministration of ropeginterferon alfa-2b and other CNS depressants. If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for neuropsychiatric adverse effects (eg, depression, suicidal ideation, aggression, mania). Risk D: Consider therapy modification
ROPINIRole: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of ROPINIRole. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Rotigotine: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Rotigotine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Rufinamide: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Specifically, sleepiness and dizziness may be enhanced. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Suvorexant: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Suvorexant. Management: Dose reduction of suvorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of suvorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of suvorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Teduglutide: May increase the serum concentration of Benzodiazepines. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Thalidomide: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Thalidomide. Risk X: Avoid combination
Theophylline Derivatives: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Benzodiazepines. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Trimeprazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Valerian: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Yohimbine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antianxiety Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Zolpidem: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Zolpidem. Management: Reduce the Intermezzo brand sublingual zolpidem adult dose to 1.75 mg for men who are also receiving other CNS depressants. No such dose change is recommended for women. Avoid use with other CNS depressants at bedtime; avoid use with alcohol. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Zuranolone: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider alternatives to the use of zuranolone with other CNS depressants or alcohol. If combined, consider a zuranolone dose reduction and monitor patients closely for increased CNS depressant effects. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Therapy for anxiety should be individualized (BAP [McAllister-Williams 2017]); avoid the use of benzodiazepines for the treatment of anxiety disorders in patients planning to become pregnant (Larsen 2015).
In utero exposure to benzodiazepines has the potential to cause harm to the fetus. Teratogenic effects have been observed in some studies; however, a clear association has not been reported and additional data are needed (Bellantuono 2013; Freeman 2018; Grigoriadis 2019; Noh 2022; Szpunar 2022; Tinker 2019; Wikner 2007). Exposure to a benzodiazepine late in pregnancy may cause neonatal sedation (hypotonia, lethargy, respiratory depression) and/or symptoms of neonatal withdrawal (feeding difficulties, hyperreflexia, inconsolable crying, irritability, restlessness, tremors) (Iqbal 2002). Data related to long-term effects on neurodevelopment are inconclusive (Chen 2022; Radojčić 2017; Sundbakk 2022; Wang 2022). Newborns exposed to benzodiazepines in utero should be monitored for feeding problems, respiratory depression, sedation, and withdrawal.
Therapy for anxiety during pregnancy should be individualized. Untreated or inadequately treated psychiatric illness may lead to poor adherence to prenatal care and adverse pregnancy outcomes (ACOG 2008). Benzodiazepines are not preferred when pharmacologic treatment for anxiety disorders is needed during pregnancy (BAP [McAllister-Williams 2017]; Larsen 2015). If possible, avoid scheduled doses of benzodiazepines in the month prior to delivery to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms in the newborn (Larsen 2015).
Bromazepam and metabolites are expected to be present in breast milk.
Drowsiness, lethargy, or weight loss in breastfeeding infants have been observed in case reports following maternal use of some benzodiazepines (Iqbal 2002).
Breastfeeding during benzodiazepine therapy is not recommended due to the potential for drowsiness in the breastfeeding infant (Larsen 2015); breastfeeding during bromazepam therapy is not recommended by the manufacturer.
Respiratory, cardiovascular (heart rate, BP), periodic CBC, renal and LFTs.
Intermediate-acting benzodiazepine (based on half-life) (Griffin 2013). Benzodiazepines bind to stereospecific benzodiazepine receptors on the postsynaptic GABA neuron at several sites within the central nervous system, including the limbic system, reticular formation. Enhancement of the inhibitory effect of GABA on neuronal excitability results by increased neuronal membrane permeability to chloride ions. This shift in chloride ions results in hyperpolarization (a less excitable state) and stabilization. Benzodiazepine receptors and effects appear to be linked to the GABA-A receptors. Benzodiazepines do not bind to GABA-B receptors (Brunton, 2011).
Absorption: Food may significantly decrease absorption (decreased Cmax and AUC). Time to peak and half-life do not appear to be affected (Fujii 1990).
Duration of action: Classified as an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine; classification based on benzodiazepines with half-life of 12 to 40 hours (Griffin 2013).
Distribution: Vd: ~50 L
Protein binding: 70%
Metabolism: Hepatic via hydroxylation and glucuronidation
Bioavailability: 60%
Half-life elimination: 20 hours (may be prolonged in the elderly)
Time to peak, serum: ≤2 hours
Excretion: Urine (69% as metabolites 3-hydroxybromazepam and 2-[2-amino-5-bromo-3-hydroxybenzoyl]-pyridine)
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