Alprazolam (Oral Route)

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Proper Use

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.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

If you are using the orally disintegrating tablet, make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Do not remove the tablets from the bottle until you are ready to take it. Place the tablet immediately on the top of your tongue. It should melt quickly and be swallowed with saliva.

If you are using the oral solution, measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

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 anxiety:
  • For oral dosage forms (solution, tablets, or orally disintegrating tablets):
    • Adults—At first, 0.25 to 0.5 milligram (mg) three times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 4 mg a day.
    • Older adults—At first, 0.25 milligram (mg) two or three times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For panic disorder:
  • For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
    • Adults—At first, 0.5 to 1 milligram (mg) taken in the morning once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg a day.
    • Older adults—At first, 0.5 milligram (mg) taken in the morning once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage forms (solution, tablets, or orally disintegrating tablets):
    • Adults—At first, 0.5 milligram (mg) three times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg a day.
    • Older adults—At first, 0.25 milligram (mg) two or three times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if 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.

It is very important to protect the orally disintegrating tablets from moisture. Remove and throw away any cotton packaging from the medicine bottle when you first use the medicine.

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