Home Drug Guide Halazepam

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Halazepam

Brand Names Paxipam

Classification

Therapeutic: Anxiolytic, Sedative

Pharmacological: Benzodiazepine

FDA Approved Indications

  • Short-term management of anxiety disorders

Mechanism of Action

Halazepam enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor, resulting in sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant properties.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically, 25-50 mg two to three times daily. Dose may be adjusted based on response and tolerability.

Pediatric: Not approved for pediatric use; safety and efficacy not established.

Geriatric: Start at lower doses, e.g., 25 mg at bedtime, and titrate carefully.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustment may be necessary.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; dose reduction may be necessary.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally.

Distribution: Widely distributed with high lipid solubility.

Metabolism: Hepatic metabolism to active and inactive metabolites.

Excretion: Excreted primarily via urine.

Half Life: Approximately 24-48 hours, varies among individuals.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines
  • Acute narrow-angle glaucoma

Precautions

  • History of substance abuse, respiratory conditions, hepatic impairment, elderly patients, pregnancy and lactation. Use with caution in patients with depression or suicidal ideation.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Drowsiness (Common)
  • Dizziness (Common)
  • Impaired coordination (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Respiratory depression (Rare)
  • Severe hypersensitivity reactions (Rare)
  • Dependence and withdrawal symptoms (Potential with prolonged use)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • CNS depressants (alcohol, opioids), other benzodiazepines, certain antidepressants, antipsychotics.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for effectiveness, sedation level, and signs of dependency or withdrawal. Evaluate hepatic and renal function as needed.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for falls due to sedation
  • Risk for dependency

Implementation: Administer dose as prescribed, preferably at bedtime to reduce daytime sedation. Taper gradually when discontinuing.

Evaluation: Assess for reduction in anxiety symptoms, sedation, and any adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Advise against alcohol and other CNS depressants during therapy.
  • Warn about risk of drowsiness and impaired coordination. Do not operate machinery or drive until response is known.
  • Instruct about dependence, tapering, and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Discuss the importance of adherence and not exceeding prescribed dose.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential for abuse, misuse, and addiction with benzodiazepines.
  • Risks from concomitant use with opioids, including respiratory depression, coma, and death.

Genetic Factors: Genetic variations may influence metabolism, particularly involving CYP3A4 enzyme.

Lab Test Interference: None known.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: CNS depression, respiratory depression, hypotension, coma.

Treatment: Supportive care, airway management, activated charcoal if ingestion is recent, and flumazenil may be considered as an antagonist in severe cases.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Stability: Stable under recommended conditions for shelf life.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.