Lorazepam (Ativan) Pharmacology Podcast

On this podcast episode, I discuss lorazepam (Ativan) pharmacology, adverse effects, and common drug interactions. Lorazepam has numerous dosage forms and the IV formulation does contain propylene glycol which can accumulate if it is used for longer periods of time. There is a boxed warning for lorazepam when it is used with opioids. The risk for opioid overdose, coma, and death increases significantly. Lorazepam is an intermediate acting benzodiazpine. It's half-life for most adult patients is in the 12-18 hour range.