Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Triazolam Tablets contain triazolam, a triazolobenzodiazepine. Triazolam, USP is a white crystalline powder, practically odorless, soluble in chloroform; slightly soluble in alcohol; practically insoluble in ether and in water. It has a molecular weight of 343.2. The chemical name for triazolam is 8-chloro-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-s-triazolo-[4,3-α][1,4] benzodiazepine.
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Triazolam is a benzodiazepine. Triazolam exerts its effect for the short-term treatment of insomnia through binding to the benzodiazepine site of the gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA A ) receptors in the brain and enhances GABA-mediated synaptic inhibition. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption Peak plasma levels of triazolam are reached within 2 hours following oral administration. Following recommended doses of triazolam, triazolam peak plasma levels in the range of 1 to 6 ng/mL are seen. The plasma levels achieved are proportional to the dose given. In normal subjects treated for 7 days with four times the recommended dosage, there was no evidence of altered systemic bioavailability, rate of elimination, or accumulation.
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Triazolam tablets are indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia (generally 7 to 10 days) in adults. Triazolam tablets are a benzodiazepine indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia (generally 7 to 10 days) in adults.
Common Doses
- 0.25 mg
- 0.5 mg
- 0.125 mg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults: Recommended dosage is 0.25 mg once daily before bedtime. Maximum recommended dosage is 0.5 mg once daily ( 2.1 ) Geriatric patients: Reduce starting dosage to 0.125 mg once daily. May increase to 0.25 mg if no response. Geriatric patients should not exceed 0.25 mg once daily ( 2.2 , 8.5 ) Triazolam should not be prescribed in quantities exceeding a 1-month supply ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Dosing Information The recommended dosage is 0.25 mg once daily before bedtime. A dosage of 0.125 mg once daily may be sufficient for some patients (e.g., patients with low body weight).
Black Box Warning
WARNING: RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOIDS; ABUSE, MISUSE AND ADDICTION; and DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL REACTIONS Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )].
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Triazolam is contraindicated in: Patients with known hypersensitivity to triazolam, any of component of triazolam, or other benzodiazepines. Reactions consistent with angioedema (involving the tongue, glottis, or larynx), dyspnea, and throat closing have been reported and may be fatal. Concomitant administration of strong cytochrome P450 (CYP 3A) enzyme inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, lopinavir, ritonavir) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )].
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections: Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Persistent or Worsening Insomnia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] "Sleep-driving" and Other Complex Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Central Nervous System Manifestations [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Use with Opioids: Increase the risk of respiratory depression ( 7.1 ) Use with Other CNS Depressants: Produces additive CNS depressant effects ( 7.1 ) Use with CYP 3A4 Inhibitors: Increased risk of adverse reactions ( 4 , 5.8 , 7.1 ) 7.1 Drugs Having Clinically Important Interactions With Triazolam Table 2 includes clinically significant drug interactions with triazolam [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .