Instructions for Sublingual Lorazepam

(For Treatment Of Seizures)

You have been taught how to give your child sublingual Lorazepam.  However, to help make it easier for you at home, we are providing you with the following guidelines.

ABOUT LORAZEPAM:

Sublingual Lorazepam is available as small tablets and comes in three doses.

• Lorazepam 0.5mg.....Green tablet
• Lorazepam 1mg.....White tablet
• Lorazepam 2mg.....Blue tablet

Check for expiry date to be sure medication isn't expired.

This medication must be out of reach from children. High dosages may cause breathing to stop.

When Lorazepam is prescribed for use at home, it may be necessary for your child to receive a test dose in hospital to ensure the child is not unusually sensitive to this medication.

Since Lorazepam is a central nervous system depressant, an excess dose may cause a child to stop breathing. Therefore, it is very important you give the correct dose as prescribed by your physician.

This is not the only treatment for seizures and your child should be assessed by your family physician or at the hospital's Emergency Department.

PROCEDURE:

If a seizure occurs look at your watch. If seizure is lasting longer than 5 minutes then administer the medication.

Medication is to be placed on the inside of the cheek, and using your fore finger gently massage the tablet until it is dissolved. Tablet should be moved around on the inside of the cheek rather than being left in one place since it may cause some irritation. Rubber glove may be worn if necessary. Care must be taken not to place finger between the teeth since during a seizure the teeth may be clenched and a serious bite could result. When giving the medication do not restrain the child but rather move with the child. The tablet will dissolve in 1-2 minutes.

If seizure does not stop after 10 minutes, call 911 (or the emergency number in your area) or take your child to the Emergency Department or nearest physician.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:

• Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, irritability, & listlessness
• Confusion
• Unsteadiness
• Blurred Vision
• Slurred Speech

If you have any questions about this information, please talk to your child's physician, or contact the Pediatric Neurology Program at the Janeway Child Health Centre, Health Care Corporation of St. John's at 778-4172.