Is Ativan (Lorazepam) suitable for a 4-year-old?

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From the FDA Drug Label

Safety and effectiveness of lorazepam in children of less than 12 years have not been established. It is not known if lorazepam oral concentrate is safe and effective for use in children less than 12 years of age

The FDA drug label does not support the use of Ativan (Lorazepam) in a 4-year-old, as safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under 12 years of age 1 1.

From the Research

Suitability of Ativan (Lorazepam) for a 4-year-old

  • The provided studies do not specifically address the suitability of Ativan (Lorazepam) for a 4-year-old child.
  • However, the studies suggest that lorazepam can be used in children for the treatment of acute tonic-clonic convulsions and convulsive status epilepticus 2, 3, 4.
  • A study comparing intranasal versus intravenous lorazepam for control of acute seizures in children aged 6-14 years found that intranasal administration of lorazepam is not inferior to intravenous administration for termination of acute convulsive seizures in children 5.
  • Another study found that lorazepam may not be suitable for controlling hyperactivity in mentally retarded children, but this is not directly relevant to the question of suitability for a 4-year-old child 6.
  • It is essential to note that the dosage and administration of lorazepam in children should be determined by a healthcare professional, taking into account the child's age, weight, and medical condition 2, 3, 4.

Key Findings

  • Lorazepam can be effective in treating acute tonic-clonic convulsions and convulsive status epilepticus in children 2, 3, 4.
  • Intranasal administration of lorazepam may be a viable alternative to intravenous administration for termination of acute convulsive seizures in children 5.
  • The safety and efficacy of lorazepam in children should be carefully evaluated, and its use should be guided by a healthcare professional 2, 3, 4.

Administration and Dosage

  • The dosage of lorazepam for children should be determined by a healthcare professional, taking into account the child's age, weight, and medical condition 2, 3, 4.
  • Intravenous and intranasal routes of administration have been studied, but the most appropriate route and dosage for a 4-year-old child should be determined by a healthcare professional 2, 3, 4, 5.

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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