PHA3801 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Barbiturate, Clonazepam, Palpitations

• School: Monash University
• Department: Science - Pharmacology
• Course: PHA3801
• Professor: All

Document Summary

Therapeutic effects: anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, sedating, muscle relaxant, amnesic. Indications for use: epilepsy, anxiety disorders, muscle tension, sleep disorders, other conditions where anxiolytic or sedating effects are required (e. g. psychosis benzos are commonly prescribed along w antipsychotics to pts w schizophrenia). Contraindications for use: hx of drug abuse (dependencies), myasthenia gravis (muscle relaxant may compromise respiratory muscles), sleep apnoea (pauses of breathing during sleep), severe respiratory disease, impaired liver/renal function, hx of sensitivity to b"s. Podiatrist (broad approved masters degree) can prescribe: lorazepam, temazepam. Structural types of classical b"s: come in 2 main forms. 1,4-benzodiazepines inc alprazolam, bromazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam. 3 ring structures w 2 nitrogens the 1,4/5 describes position of n in ring. Midazolam (=hypnovel) - 1/2 life <3 hours acute behavioural disturbances, conscious sedation for short procedures and induction of anaesthesia, pre-op sedation. Triazolam (= halcion) short acting used for insomnia. Long-term use not recommended (can develop tolerance dependence withdrawal symptoms.