ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/lorazepam
US brand names:Ativan
Lorazepam is dosed at 0.05–0.2 mg/kg IV IV bolus, may repeat in dogs, per Naeser J, Lichtenberger M, Mariani C, Thamm DHM, Kirby R. Clinical comparison of lorazepam Vs. diazepam in the control of canine seizures. J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2004;14(S1):S1-S17. doi:10.1111/j.1476-4431.2004.t01-30-04035.x doi:10.1111/j.1476-4431.2004.t01-30-04035.x — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.807 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Intermediate-acting benzodiazepine enhancing GABA-A receptor function. Glucuronide conjugation (no active metabolites).
DEA Schedule IV. Useful in hepatic disease (glucuronidation, not oxidation). Status epilepticus treatment. Cats: may cause hepatic necrosis (rare). Sedation, ataxia.
Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugs
Controlled substance in the US
Controlled-drug status and schedules differ by country — check your local scheduling rules.
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| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 0.05–0.2 mg/kg | IV bolus, may repeat | Moderate | Naeser J, Lichtenberger M, Mariani C, Thamm DHM, Kirby R. Clinical comparison of lorazepam Vs. diazepam in the control of canine seizures. J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2004;14(S1):S1-S17. doi:10.1111/j.1476-4431.2004.t01-30-04035.x doi:10.1111/j.1476-4431.2004.t01-30-04035.x — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.807 (2026-08-01). |
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