Alprazolam
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Alprazolam
(al- PRAYZ-oh-lam)
Pregnancy Category: D Alprazolam Intensol Alti-Alprazolam Apo-Alpraz Gen-Alprazolam Novo-Alprazol Nu-Alpraz Xanax Xanax TS (C-IV) (Rx)

Classification: Antianxiety agent

See Also: See also Tranquilizers/Antimanic Drugs/Hypnotics.

Action/Kinetics: Peak plasma levels: PO, 8-37 ng/mL after 1-2 hr. t 1/2: 12-15 hr. 80% plasma protein bound. Metabolized to alpha-hydroxyalprazolam, an active metabolite. t 1/2: 12-15 hr. Excreted in urine.

Uses: Anxiety. Anxiety associated with depression with or without agoraphobia. Investigational: Agoraphobia with social phobia, depression, PMS.

Contraindications: Use with itraconazole or ketoconazole.

Additional Drug Interactions: Azole antifungal drugs, clarithromycin, erythromycin, protease inhibitors or serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors decrease the metabolism of alprazolam. Decrease the dose of alprazolam by 50% to 75%.
Possible lethargy and disorientation when combined with kava kava.

How Supplied: Intensol: 1 mg/mL; Tablet: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg

Dosage
?Tablets Anxiety disorder.
Adults, initial: 0.25-0.5 mg t.i.d.; then, titrate to needs of client, with total daily dosage not to exceed 4 mg. In elderly or debilitated: initial; 0.25 mg b.i.d.-t.i.d.; then, adjust dosage to needs of client.
Antipanic agent.
Adults: 0.5 mg t.i.d.; increase dose as needed up to a maximum of 10 mg/day.
Agoraphobia with social phobia.
Adults: 2-8 mg/day.
PMS.
0.25 mg t.i.d.