📋 Indications & Clinical Dosage
*Insomnia (short-term use):*
Adult: 5-10 mg daily, dose to be taken at bedtime, for debilitated patients, use elderly dose.
Elderly: 2.5-5 mg daily, dose to be taken at bedtime.
Children: Not recommended.
⛔ Contraindications
Acute pulmonary insufficiency, respiratory depression, sleeps apnoea, phobic or obsessional states, chronic psychosis, myasthenia gravis, severe hepatic impairment. Not for use alone to treat chronic psychosis, not for use alone to treat depression (or anxiety associated with depression)
⚠️ Precautions & Warnings
Renal impairment, mild to moderate hepatic impairment, acute porphyrias, hypoalbuminaemia, muscle weakness, history of drug or alcohol abuse, personality disorders, elderly. Avoid long term use. Withdraw gradually.
🔄 Drug Interactions
Alcohol, CNS depressants, anticonvulsants, CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers (e.g. cimetidine, rifampicin).
⚠️ Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
Amnesia, ataxia (especially in the elderly),confusion, dependence, drowsiness, lightheadedness, muscle weakness, paradoxical increase in aggression, dizziness, dysarthria, GI disturbances, gynaecomastia, headache, hypotension, incontinence, salivation changes, slurred speech, tremor, urinary retention, vertigo, visual disturbances. Rare: Apnoea, blood disorders, respiratory depression, jaundice, skin reactions
🤰 Pregnancy & Lactation Safety
Pregnancy Risk:
Avoid unless potential benefit outweighs risk
Lactation / Breastfeeding:
Contraindicated, avoid