Indications
Flurazepam is a hypnotic agent useful for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, and/or early morning awakening. Flurazepam can be used effectively in patients with recurring insomnia or poor sleeping habits, and in acute or chronic medical situations requiring restful sleep. Sleep laboratory studies have objectively determined that Flurazepam is effective for at least 28 consecutive nights of drug administration. Since insomnia is often transient and intermittent, short-term use is usually sufficient. Prolonged use of hypnotics is usually not indicated and should only be undertaken concomitantly with appropriate evaluation of the patient.
Therapeutic Class
Benzodiazepine hypnotics
Interaction
May enhance CNS depressant effect with antidepressants, antipsychotics, general anaesth, hypnotics or sedatives, opioid analgesics. Flurazepam clearance may be reduced by cimetidine, and may be increased by rifampicin.
Contraindications
Patient with pre-existing CNS depression or coma, resp depression, acute pulmonary insufficiency, myasthenia gravis, sleep apnoea, chronic psychosis or obsessional states. Pregnancy.
Side Effects
Increased risk of hazardous sleep-related activities (e.g. sleep-driving), drowsiness, light-headedness, dizziness, confusion, anterograde amnesia, headache, fatigue, reduced alertness, numbed emotions, apnoea, dyspnoea, muscle weakness, ataxia, slurred speech, double vision, vertigo, hypotension, skin rashes, GI and visual disturbances, excessive salivation, changes in libido, urinary retention.
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