Anxiolytic - Antipanic

Alprazolam, a triazolo 1,4 benzodiazepine analog, binds with high affinity to the GABA benzodiazepine receptor complex. Considerable evidence suggest that the central pharmacologic/therapeutic actions of alprazolam are mediated via interaction with this receptor complex.

Orally administered it is readily absorbed in man with peak plasma concentrations occurring 1 to 2 hours following administration. The half life range is 6 to 20 hours following single dose administration. With multiple doses, given 3 times daily, steady state is reached within 7 days. Alprazolam and its metabolites are excreted primarily in the urine. Degradation occurs mainly by oxidation yielding the primary and secondary metabolites which are active and appear to have half-lives similar to alprazolam but are present at only low levels in the plasma. Alprazolam is 80% protein bound.

Alprazolam 500 mcg (0.5 mg), administered 3 times a day for 14 days, did not affect prothrombin times or plasma warfarin levels in male volunteers administered sodium warfarin orally.

Alprazolam may be taken with or without food. Alprazolam is metabolized by the liver and excreted mainly by the kidney. Dosages of alprazolam may need to be lowered in patients with abnormal kidney function.