Trade name: Alizolam 2mg tablets. Generic name: Alprazolam. Composition: Each tablet contains: Alprazolam 2 mg. Excipients:- Corn starch, lactose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, sodium starch glycolate, carboxy methyl cellulose sodium, talc, erythrocin red. Pharmaceutical form: tablets. Pharmacological action: Alprazolam is chemically 8-chloro-1- methyl -6- phenyl-4h-s-triazolo [4,3-α] [1,4] benzodiazepine. Alprazolam tablets contain a triazolobenzodiazepine. The benzodiazepines have qualitatively similar properties: anxiolysis, hypnosedation, myorelaxation, anticonvulsion. There are, however, quantitative differences in their pharmacodynamic properties that have led to varying patterns of therapeutic application. Currently, there is a general agreement that the action of benzodiazepines is a result of the potentiation of neural inhibition that is mediated by gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). Pharmacokinetics: Following oral administration, peak concentrations of alizolam tablets in plasma occur in one to two hours following administration. The mean half-life of alprazolam is 12- 15 hours. Alprazolam is mainly oxidized. The predominant metabolites are alpha-hydroxy-alprazolam and a benzophenone derived from alprazolam. Plasma levels of these metabolites are extremely low. The biological activity of alpha-hydroxy-alprazolam is approximately one-half that of alprazolam. Their half-lives appear to be of the same order of magnitude as that of Alprazolam. The benzophenone metabolite is essentially inactive. Alprazolam and its metabolites are excreted primarily in the urine. In vitro, alprazolam is bound (80%) to human serum protein. Indications: Alizolam is indicated for the short-term treatment of moderate or severe anxiety states and anxiety associated with depression. It is only indicated when the disorder is severe, disabling or subjecting the individual to extreme distress. Alizolam should not be used to treat short-term mild anxiety, such as anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life. As the efficacy of Alizolam in depression and in phobic or obsessional states has yet to be established, specific treatment may have to be considered. Dosage and administration: The optimum dosage of alizolam (Alprazolam) should be individualized based upon the severity of the symptoms and individual patient response. The usual dose (see table) will meet the needs of most patients. In patients who require higher doses, dosages should be increased cautiously to avoid adverse effects. In general, patients who have not previously received psychotropic medications will require somewhat lower doses than those previously treated with minor tranquillizers, antidepressants, or hypnotics. It is recommended that the general principle of using the lowest effective dose be followed in elderly or debilitated patients to preclude the development of oversedation or ataxia.
