Triazolam

Anxiolytic and Hypnotic Drugs

Drug class: Benzodiazepine, BDZs

Triazolam (HALCION)（中文：三唑侖）

Common Strengths of Triazolam

Triazolam are available in the following strengths:

• Tablets: 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg

Drug Trade Names of Triazolam

Halcion

Drug Usage

• Short-term treatment of insomnia (generally 7 to 10 days)
• Anxiety disorders

Mechanism of Action

Triazolam works by binding to the benzodiazepine site on the GABA_A receptor, enhancing GABA's inhibitory effects, leading to sedation, anxiolysis, and muscle relaxtion.

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosages

For Insomnia:

• Initial Dose: 0.25 mg orally once a day at bedtime.
• Maintenance Dose: 0.125 to 0.25 mg orally once a day at bedtime.
• Maximum Dose: 0.5 mg/day.

Elderly or Debilitated Patients:

• Initial Dose: 0.125 mg orally once a day at bedtime.
• Maintenance Dose: 0.125 to 0.25 mg orally once a day at bedtime.
• Maximum Dose: 0.25 mg/day.

Side Effects

Frequency	Adverse reactions
Common	Drowsiness
	Dizziness
	Light-headedness
	Headache
	Problems with coordination
Serious	Paradoxical reactions (agitation, aggression)
	Dependence, withdrawal symptoms
	Severe allergic reactions like rash, hives, itching, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing.
	Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death when used concomitantly with opioids.
	Daytime anxiety
	Depression, suicidal thoughts
	Complex behaviors like "sleep-driving", eating, making phone calls, or having sex with amnesia for these events

Pharmacokinetics

• Onset of action:
  • Rapid onset of action; peak plasma level are reached within 1 to 2 hours afters oral administration.
• Half-Life: Approximately 1.5 to 5.5 hours.
• MetabolismL Metabolized in the lever primarily via cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP3A4).
• Excretion: Primarily excreted in urine.

Drug Precautions

Pregnancy

Potential risk of congenital malformations.

Breastfeeding

Excreted in breast milk; not recommended.

Children and Elderly

Not recommended for children under 18 years; elderly may require lower doses due to increased sensitivity.

Monitoring Requirements

Monitor for signs of respiratory depression, sedation levels, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.

Drug Interactions

Avoid alcohol, opioids, and other CNS depressants; may interact with CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers.

FAQ

How Should I Take the Tablet?

Take exactly as prescribed, usually once daily at bedtime. It can be taken with or without food.

What Should I Avoid While Taking?

Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants, and be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how triazolam affects you.

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is close to the next dose. Do not double up.