Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much of this medicine is taken for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule, you may open it and sprinkle the medicine onto a tablespoon of applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing. Drink water after swallowing the mixture. Take the mixture within 2 hours of mixing. Do not store for future use.

Measure the oral liquid using the marked medicine dropper that comes with the package. Dilute each dose with water, juice, soda, applesauce and puddings.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (oral solution):
    • For anxiety:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—2 to 6 milligrams (mg) in divided doses per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Older adults—At first, 1 to 2 mg in divided doses per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For anxiety:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 2 to 3 milligrams (mg) in divided doses per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Older adults—At first, 1 to 2 mg in divided doses per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For insomnia caused by anxiety or transient situational stress:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—2 to 4 milligrams (mg) taken as a single dose at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
    • For anxiety:
      • Adults—One capsule once a day in the morning. Dose is based on the total daily dose of lorazepam tablets, which you take three times a day in equally divided doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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