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Ativan
lorazepam · Tablet
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Benzodiazepine [EPC] | EPC | All 48 members |
| Benzodiazepines [CS] | CS | All 48 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 017794-001 | ATIVAN | TABLET | LORAZEPAM | Prescription | AB | RLD | |
| 017794-002 | ATIVAN | TABLET | LORAZEPAM | Prescription | AB | RLD | |
| 017794-003 | ATIVAN | TABLET | LORAZEPAM | Prescription | AB | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 49 | Labeling | Approved | January 13, 2023 | Standard |
| Supplement | 48 | Labeling | Approved | February 5, 2021 | 901 Required |
| Supplement | 44 | Labeling | Approved | December 16, 2016 | 901 Required |
| Supplement | 35 | Labeling | Approved | April 18, 2007 | Standard |
| Supplement | 31 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 20, 1988 | Standard |
| Supplement | 29 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 4, 1987 | Standard |
| Supplement | 28 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | July 30, 1987 | Standard |
| Supplement | 26 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | June 15, 1987 | Standard |
| Supplement | 25 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 2, 1987 | Standard |
| Supplement | 22 | Labeling | Approved | December 15, 1986 | — |
| Supplement | 23 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | October 30, 1986 | Standard |
| Supplement | 24 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | October 29, 1986 | Standard |
| Supplement | 19 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 4, 1985 | Standard |
| Supplement | 20 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 26, 1984 | Standard |
| Supplement | 17 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 24, 1984 | Standard |
| Supplement | 18 | Labeling | Approved | February 2, 1984 | — |
| Supplement | 16 | Labeling | Approved | September 29, 1983 | — |
| Supplement | 15 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | September 29, 1983 | Standard |
| Supplement | 12 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | October 21, 1982 | Standard |
| Supplement | 11 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | September 10, 1982 | Standard |
| Supplement | 9 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | May 3, 1982 | Standard |
| Supplement | 10 | Labeling | Approved | February 26, 1982 | — |
| Supplement | 8 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 18, 1980 | Standard |
| Supplement | 7 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | September 16, 1980 | Standard |
| Supplement | 6 | Labeling | Approved | September 2, 1980 | — |
| Supplement | 5 | Labeling | Approved | September 2, 1980 | — |
| Supplement | 4 | Labeling | Approved | January 24, 1979 | — |
| Supplement | 3 | Labeling | Approved | September 20, 1978 | — |
| Original application | 1 | Type 1 - New Molecular Entity | Approved | September 30, 1977 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · January 17, 2023
- 0 · Supplement · January 17, 2023
- 0 · Supplement · January 17, 2023
- 0 · Supplement · February 11, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · February 11, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · February 9, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · December 22, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · December 20, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · April 25, 2007
- 0 · Supplement · April 20, 2007
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250709). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Boxed Warning
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNING: 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 for 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 ). • The use of benzodiazepines, including Ativan, exposes users to risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes. Before prescribing Ativan and throughout treatment, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction (see WARNINGS ). • The continued use of benzodiazepines, including Ativan, may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. The risks of dependence and withdrawal increase with longer treatment duration and higher daily dose. Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of Ativan after continued use may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening. To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue ATIVAN or reduce the dosage (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and WARNINGS ).
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug LabelingINDICATIONS AND USAGE Ativan (lorazepam) is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic. The effectiveness of Ativan (lorazepam) in long-term use, that is, more than 4 months, has not been assessed by systematic clinical studies. The physician should periodically reassess the usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug LabelingDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Ativan (lorazepam) is administered orally. For optimal results, dose, frequency of administration, and duration of therapy should be individualized according to patient response. To facilitate this, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg tablets are available. The usual range is 2 to 6 mg/day given in divided doses, the largest dose being taken before bedtime, but the daily dosage may vary from 1 to 10 mg/day. For anxiety, most patients require an initial dose of 2 to 3 mg/day given two times a day or three times a day. For insomnia due to anxiety or transient situational stress, a single daily dose of 2 to 4 mg may be given, usually at bedtime. For elderly or debilitated patients, an initial dosage of 1 to 2 mg/day in divided doses is recommended, to be adjusted as needed and tolerated. The dosage of Ativan (lorazepam) should be increased gradually when needed to help avoid adverse effects. When higher dosage is indicated, the evening dose should be increased before the daytime doses. Discontinuation or Dosage Reduction of Ativan To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue Ativan or reduce the dosage. If a patient develops withdrawal reactions, consider pausing the taper or increasing the dosage to the previous tapered dosage level. Subsequently decrease the dosage more slowly (see WARNINGS: Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions and DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE: Dependence ).
Contraindications
openFDA Drug LabelingCONTRAINDICATIONS Ativan (lorazepam) is contraindicated in patients with: • hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines or to any components of the formulation • acute narrow-angle glaucoma.
Warnings
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNINGS Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, including Ativan, and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioids alone. If a decision is made to prescribe Ativan concomitantly with opioids, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use, and follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of Ativan than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid is initiated in a patient already taking Ativan, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response. Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when Ativan is used with opioids. Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of concomitant use with the opioid have been determined (see PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions ). Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction The use of benzodiazepines, including Ativan, exposes users to the risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines often (but not always) involve the use of doses greater than the maximum recommended dosage and commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes, including respiratory depression, overdose, or death (see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE: Abuse ). Before prescribing Ativan and throughout treatment, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction (e.g., using a standardized screening tool). Use of Ativan, particularly in patients at elevated risk, necessitates counseling about the risks and proper use of Ativan along with monitoring for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction. Prescribe the lowest effective dosage; avoid or minimize concomitant use of CNS depressants and other substances associated with abuse, misuse, and addiction (e.g., opioid analgesics, stimulants); and advise patients on the proper disposal of unused drug. If a substance use disorder is suspected, evaluate the patient and institute (or refer them for) early treatment, as appropriate. Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue Ativan or reduce the dosage (a patient-specific plan should be used to taper the dose) (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Discontinuation or Dosage Reduction of Ativan ). Patients at an increased risk of withdrawal adverse reactions after benzodiazepine discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction include those who take higher dosages, and those who have had longer durations of use. Acute Withdrawal Reactions The continued use of benzodiazepines, including Ativan, may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of Ativan after continued use, or administration of flumazenil (a benzodiazepine antagonist) may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening (e.g., seizures) (see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE: Dependence ). Protracted Withdrawal Syndrome In some cases, benzodiazepine users have developed a protracted withdrawal syndrome with withdrawal symptoms lasting weeks to more than 12 months (see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE: Dependence ). Pre-existing depression may emerge or worsen during use of benzodiazepines including lorazepam. Ativan (lorazepam) is not recommended for use in patients with a primary depressive disord …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug LabelingADVERSE REACTIONS Most adverse reactions to benzodiazepines, including CNS effects and respiratory depression, are dose dependent, with more severe effects occurring with high doses. In a sample of about 3500 patients treated for anxiety, the most frequent adverse reaction to Ativan (lorazepam) was sedation (15.9%), followed by dizziness (6.9%), weakness (4.2%), and unsteadiness (3.4%). The incidence of sedation and unsteadiness increased with age. Other adverse reactions to benzodiazepines, including lorazepam are fatigue, drowsiness, amnesia, memory impairment, confusion, disorientation, depression, unmasking of depression, disinhibition, euphoria, suicidal ideation/attempt, ataxia, asthenia, extrapyramidal symptoms, convulsions/seizures, tremor, vertigo, eye function/visual disturbance (including diplopia and blurred vision), dysarthria/slurred speech, change in libido, impotence, decreased orgasm; headache, coma; respiratory depression, apnea, worsening of sleep apnea, worsening of obstructive pulmonary disease; gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, change in appetite, constipation, jaundice, increase in bilirubin, increase in liver transaminases, increase in alkaline phosphatase; hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylactoid reactions; dermatological symptoms, allergic skin reactions, alopecia; syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), hyponatremia; thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia; hypothermia; and autonomic manifestations. Paradoxical reactions, including anxiety, excitation, agitation, hostility, aggression, rage, sleep disturbances/insomnia, sexual arousal, and hallucinations may occur. Small decreases in blood pressure and hypotension may occur but are usually not clinically significant, probably being related to the relief of anxiety produced by Ativan (lorazepam). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch Health US, LLC at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug LabelingDrug Interactions The concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids increases the risk of respiratory depression because of actions at different receptor sites in the CNS that control respiration. Benzodiazepines interact at GABA A sites and opioids interact primarily at mu receptors. When benzodiazepines and opioids are combined, the potential for benzodiazepines to significantly worsen opioid-related respiratory depression exists. Limit dosage and duration of concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids, and monitor patients closely for respiratory depression and sedation. The benzodiazepines, including Ativan (lorazepam), produce increased CNS-depressant effects when administered with other CNS depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, antipsychotics, sedative/hypnotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, narcotic analgesics, sedative antihistamines, anticonvulsants, and anesthetics. Concomitant use of clozapine and lorazepam may produce marked sedation, excessive salivation, hypotension, ataxia, delirium, and respiratory arrest. Concurrent administration of lorazepam with valproate results in increased plasma concentrations and reduced clearance of lorazepam. Lorazepam dosage should be reduced to approximately 50% when coadministered with valproate. Concurrent administration of lorazepam with probenecid may result in a more rapid onset or prolonged effect of lorazepam due to increased half-life and decreased total clearance. Lorazepam dosage needs to be reduced by approximately 50% when coadministered with probenecid. The effects of probenecid and valproate on lorazepam may be due to inhibition of glucuronidation. Administration of theophylline or aminophylline may reduce the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, including lorazepam.
Description
openFDA Drug LabelingDESCRIPTION Ativan (lorazepam), an antianxiety agent, has the chemical formula, 7-chloro-5-( o -chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-2 H -1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one: C 15 H 10 Cl 2 N 2 O 2 M.W. 321.16 It is a nearly white powder almost insoluble in water. Each Ativan (lorazepam) tablet, to be taken orally, contains 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg of lorazepam. The inactive ingredients present are lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and polacrilin potassium. Ativan chemical structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug LabelingOVERDOSAGE Overdosage of benzodiazepines is characterized by central nervous system depression ranging from drowsiness to coma. In mild to moderate cases, symptoms can include drowsiness, confusion, dysarthria, lethargy, hypnotic state, diminished reflexes, ataxia, and hypotonia. Rarely, paradoxical or disinhibitory reactions (including agitation, irritability, impulsivity, violent behavior, confusion, restlessness, excitement, and talkativeness) may occur. In severe overdosage cases, patients may develop respiratory depression and coma. Overdosage of benzodiazepines in combination with other CNS depressants (including alcohol and opioids) may be fatal (see WARNINGS: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction ). Markedly abnormal (lowered or elevated) blood pressure, heart rate, or respiratory rate raise the concern that additional drugs and/or alcohol are involved in the overdosage. In managing benzodiazepine overdosage, employ general supportive measures, including intravenous fluids and airway management. Flumazenil, a specific benzodiazepine receptor antagonist indicated for the complete or partial reversal of the sedative effects of benzodiazepines in the management of benzodiazepine overdosage, can lead to withdrawal and adverse reactions, including seizures, particularly in the context of mixed overdosage with drugs that increase seizure risk (e.g., tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants) and in patients with long-term benzodiazepine use and physical dependency. The risk of withdrawal seizures with flumazenil use may be increased in patients with epilepsy. Flumazenil is contraindicated in patients who have received a benzodiazepine for control of a potentially life-threatening condition (e.g., status epilepticus). If the decision is made to use flumazenil, it should be used as an adjunct to, not as a substitute for, supportive management of benzodiazepine overdosage. See the flumazenil injection Prescribing Information. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdosage management recommendations.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug LabelingHOW SUPPLIED Ativan ® (lorazepam) Tablets are available in the following dosage strengths: 0.5 mg, white, five-sided (shield shape) tablet with a raised “A” on one side and “BPI” and “63” impressed on reverse side. NDC 0187-0063-01 - Bottles of 100 tablets. 1 mg, white, five-sided (shield shape) tablet with a raised “A” on one side and “BPI” and “64” impressed on scored reverse side. NDC 0187-0064-01 - Bottles of 100 tablets. 2 mg, white, five-sided (regular pentagon) tablet with a raised “A” and impressed “2” on one side and “BPI” and “65” impressed on scored reverse side. NDC 0187-0065-01 - Bottles of 100 tablets. Keep bottles tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children. Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in a tight container. Distributed by: Bausch Health US, LLC Bridgewater, NJ 08807 USA Manufactured by: Bausch Health Companies Inc. Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z7, Canada Ativan is a registered trademark of Bausch Health Companies Inc. or its affiliates. © 2025 Bausch Health Companies Inc. or its affiliates Rev. 07/2025 9644304 20005922
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: LORAZEPAM. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0187-0063-01 | 0187-0063 | Bausch Health US LLC | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (0187-0063-01) | May 1, 2013 |
| 0187-0064-01 | 0187-0064 | Bausch Health US LLC | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (0187-0064-01) | May 1, 2013 |
| 0187-0065-01 | 0187-0065 | Bausch Health US LLC | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (0187-0065-01) | May 1, 2013 |
| 0187-0063 | 0187-0063 | Bausch Health US LLC | — | May 1, 2013 |
| 0187-0064 | 0187-0064 | Bausch Health US LLC | — | May 1, 2013 |
| 0187-0065 | 0187-0065 | Bausch Health US LLC | — | May 1, 2013 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.