Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine used extensively since the 1960s for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia and in the control of symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Oxazepam is also known as Alepam, Medopam, Murelax, Noripam, Ox-Pam, Purata, Serax, Serepax.
Why do some drugs have different names?
These are trade or brand names registered by the manufacturer. In different countries manufacturers will often use different trade names. The medications have the same active ingredients, but may look different and have a different trade name.
Oxazepam (marketed in English speaking countries under the following brand names Alepam, Medopam, Murelax, Noripam, Ox-Pam, Purata, Serax and Serepax), is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative. Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine used extensively since the 1960s for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia and in the control of symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It is a metabolite of diazepam, prazepam and temazepam. Oxazepam has moderate amnesic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties compared to other benzodiazepines.
Oxazepam Pharmacology Oxazepam is an intermediate acting benzodiazepine. Oxazepam acts on benzodiazepine receptors resulting in increased effect of GABA to the GABAA receptor which results in inhibitory effects on the central nervous system. The half-life of Oxazepam is 4-15 hours. Oxazepam has been shown to suppress cortisol levels.
Oxazepam is an active metabolite formed during the breakdown of diazepam, nordazepam, and certain similar drugs. Oxazepam may be safer than many other benzodiazepines in patients with impaired liver function because it does not require hepatic oxidation, but rather it is simply metabolized via glucuronidation. This means that Oxazepam is less likely to accumulate and cause adverse reactions in the elderly or people with liver disease. Oxazepam is similar to lorazepam in this respect. (1) There is preferential storage of Oxazepam in some organs including the heart of the neonate. Absorption by any administered route and the risk of accumulation is significantly increased in the neonate and it is recommended to withdraw Oxazepam during pregnancy and breast feeding as Oxazepam is excreted in breast milk.
Indications
It is an intermediate acting benzodiazepine with a slow onset of action, so it is usually prescribed to individuals who have trouble staying asleep, rather than falling asleep. It is commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders with associated tension, irritability, and agitation. It is also prescribed for drug and alcohol withdrawal, and for anxiety associated with depression.
