Nitrazepam

Nitrazepam is classified as a hypnotic benzodiazepam that is administered to remedy infantile spasms and manage insomnia. However, if the patient is suffering from COPD, hypersensitivity, increased pressure in the eyes and severe damage to the liver, then Nitrazepam is strictly advised against.

This medicine is also helpful in the management of anxiety disorders; alcohol withdrawal symptoms; skeletal muscle relaxant; convulsive disorders.

There does exist a risk of damage to the fetus if administered during a pregnancy; however, Nitrazepam is still given to pregnant women because the potential benefits definitely seem to outweigh the associated risks.

The recommended dosage of Nitrazepam is 56mg, to be taken once at bedtime. But this dosage can be increased based on the doctor’s instructions.

Caution should be exercised for patients suffering from amnesia, children, elderly, individuals suffering from depression, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Drowsiness or dizziness might be a result of its usage; hence it’s advised not to drive after administering Nitrazepam. Reduce consumption of alcohol for maximum benefits.

Symptoms of overdose include somnolence, confusion, coma, hypoactive reflexes, dyspnea, hypotension, slurred speech, impaired coordination. It is to be noted that its highly unlikely for an individual to experience all of these adverse reactions of Nitrazepam; generally a small cluster of these side effects are experienced.

Treatment for benzodiazepine overdose is supportive. Rarely is mechanical ventilation required. Flumazenil has been shown to selectively block the binding of benzodiazepines to CNS receptors, resulting in a reversal of benzodiazepine-induced CNS depression, but not respiratory depression.

Take exactly as directed (do not increase dose or frequency); may cause physical and/or psychological dependence. While using this medication, do not use alcohol and other prescription or OTC medications (especially pain medications, sedatives, antihistamines, or hypnotics) without consulting the prescriber.

Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 L/day of fluids unless instructed to restrict fluid intake). You may experience drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks requiring alertness until response to drug is known); nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or dry mouth (small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking lozenges may help); constipation (increased exercise, fluids, or dietary fruit and fiber may help).

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Insomnia

• Anxiety Disorder

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Allergy

• Myasthenia Gravis

• Narrow Angle Glaucoma

• Pregnancy

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Hypotension

• Drowsiness

• Slurred Speech

• Fatigue

• Rash

• Headache

• Depression

• Vertigo

• Confusion

• Constipation

• Nausea

• Urinary Retention

• Jaundice

• Tremor

• Blurred Vision

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 6 to 8 hours.

• What is the onset of action?

  The effect of this medicine can be observed in 30 to 60 minutes.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.Nitrazepam crosses the placenta. Oral clefts reported, however, more recent data does not support an association between drug and oral clefts; inguinal hernia, cardiac defects, spina bifida, dysmorphic facial features, skeletal defects, multiple other malformations reported; hypotonia and withdrawal symptoms reported following use near time of delivery.

• Is it habit forming?

  Habit forming tendency has been reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women. Nitrazepam crosses into breast milk.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  Additive CNS depression has been reported with benzodiazepines; avoid or limit alcohol.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  This medicine causes side effects that affect the patients consciousness. Thus patient must avoid driving if experiencing adverse effects like drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision etc.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Not dialyzable (0% to 5%); supplemental dose is not necessary.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Reduce dose by 50% in cirrhosis and avoid in severe/acute liver disease.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Missed Dose instructions

  If you miss a dose of Nitrazepam, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• India

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Nitrazepam as ingredient

• Nitcalm 5 MG Tablet

  Icon Lifesciences

• Nigap 5 MG Tablet

  Psychotropics India Ltd

• Nitas 5 MG Tablet

  Tas Med (India) Private Ltd.  

• Nitravet 10 MG Tablet

  Anglo-French Drugs & Industries Ltd

• Nitrosun 5 MG Tablet

  Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd

• Sopor 5 MG Tablet

  A.N.Pharmacia

• Dormin 5 MG Capsule

  Micro Labs Ltd

• N Tra 5 MG Tablet

  K.C Laboratories

• Nitpro 5 MG Tablet

  Sigmund Promedica

• Nitavan 5 MG Tablet

  Stadmed Pvt. Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

This medicine belongs to benzodiazepines. It works by acting on benzodiazepine receptors which are associated with the GABA receptor. Thus increases the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and causes sleep, reduces anxiety, and muscle relaxation.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it increases the risk of side effects like dizziness, difficulty in concentration. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.

• Interaction with Lab Test

  False-negative urinary glucose determinations when using Clinistix® or Diastix®.

• Interaction with Medicine

  Opoids

  Opioids like morphine, codeine, tramadol, hydrocodone or any cough preparations containing these medicines should be avoided when you are on Nitrazepam or other benzodiazepines. Appropriate dose adjustments are to be made if coadministration is needed and monitoring of sedation, breathlessness, and hypotension is necessary.

  Antihypertensives

  You may experience hypotensive effects like dizziness, lightheadedness if these medicines are used together. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is necessary. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement of the medicine should be made under the doctor's supervision.

  Primaquine

  The effect of Nitrazepam will reduce if taken with rifampicin. Inform the doctor if you are receiving any antibiotics. An alternate medicine should be considered if the symptoms worsen.

  Others

  Cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, clozapine, CNS depressants, diltiazem, disulfiram, digoxin, erythromycin, ethanol, fluconazole, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, grapefruit juice, isoniazid, itraconazole, ketoconazole, labetalol, levodopa, loxapine, metoprolol, metronidazole, miconazole, nefazodone, omeprazole, phenytoin,protease inhibitors like amprenavir and ritonavir, rifabutin, rifampin, troleandomycin, valproic acid, verapamil may increase the serum level and/or toxicity of diazepam; monitor for altered benzodiazepine response.

• Interaction with Disease

  Seizures

  The sudden stop of Nitrazepam may cause withdrawal effects and can precipitate seizures. The dose should be reduced gradually. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting the doctor.

• Interaction with Food

  Information not available.

• Ques : What is Nitrazepam?

  Ans : Nitrazepam is classified as a hypnotic benzodiazepam that is administered to remedy infantile spasms and manage insomnia. However, if the patient is suffering from COPD, hypersensitivity, increased pressure in the eyes and severe damage to the liver, then Nitrazepam is strictly advised against.

• Ques : What are the uses of Nitrazepam?

  Ans : Nitrazepam used for the treatment of Insomnia.

• Ques : What are the side effects of this Nitrazepam?

  Ans : Possible side effects include aggressiveness, agitation, incoordination, amnesia, confusion, dizziness, disorientation, fatigue, hallucinations, delusions, headaches, irritability, hangovers, psychoses, nightmares, restlessness, rage and sedations.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Nitrazepam before I see improvement in my condition?

  Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

• Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Nitrazepam?

  Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

• Ques : Should I use Nitrazepam empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

• Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Nitrazepam?

  Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

• Ques : How is this Nitrazepam administered?

  Ans : This medication is administered intravenously or orally.