Triazolam (Halcion) - Uses, Dose, MOA, Brands, Side effects

Triazolam (Halcion) is a benzodiazepine drug that is primarily used in the short-term treatment of patients who have difficulty falling asleep. It has a duration of action of about 6 to 7 hours similar to lorazepam (ativan) and should be taken at night.

Triazolam Uses:

  • Insomnia:

    • Used for short-term (generally 7 to 10 days) treatment of insomnia
  • Off Label Use of Triazolam in Adults:

    • Used for oral sedation before outpatient dental procedures

Triazolam Dose in Adults

Triazolam Dose in the short-term treatment of Insomnia:

  • Usual dose: 0.25 mg HS; 0.125 mg HS may be sufficient in some patients, like those with low BMI; max dose is 0.5 mg per 24 hours

Triazolam Dose in the treatment of Dental pre-procedure oral sedation (off-label):

  • 25 mg given 60mins prior to procedure; use 0.125 mg in elderly patients or patients sensitive to sedative effects

Triazolam Dose in Children

Triazolam Dose in the short-term treatment of Insomnia:

  • Adolescents ≥18 years:

    • Oral: 0.125 to 0.25 mg HS; in some patients, adequate effects may be achieved by 0.125 mg HS like those with low BMI; maximum daily dose: 0.5 mg per 24 hours.

Pregnancy Risk Factor X

 

  • A case report shows that Triazolam can cross into the placenta in cases of maternal overdose.
  • Some benzodiazepines can have sedative effects.
  • Premature births and low birth weight may be more common if the mother uses benzodiazepines; late-term exposure may lead to hypoglycemia in the neonate and other respiratory problems.
  • Neonatal withdrawal symptoms may occur within days or weeks of birth due to the use of benzodiazepine. Also, "floppy infant syndrome" may also be a possibility.
  • Triazolam should not be used in pregnancy.

Use while breastfeeding

  • Although data for triazolam are not available, it is expected that all benzodiazepines will be secreted into breast milk.
  • Some benzodiazepines can cause sleepiness, lethargy, and weight loss in nursing infants if they are taken by their mothers.
  • The manufacturer doesn't recommend breastfeeding during therapy.

Dose in Kidney Disease:

No dosage adjustments have been provided in the manufacturer’s labeling; use cautiously. 

Dose in Liver disease:

No dosage adjustments have been provided in the manufacturer’s labeling; use cautiously.

Common Side Effects of Triazolam:

  • Central nervous system:

    • Drowsiness

Less Common Side Effects of Triazolam:

  • Central Nervous System:

    • Headache
    • Dizziness
    • Ataxia
    • Nervousness
  • Gastrointestinal:

    • Nausea
    • Vomiting

Contraindications to Triazolam:

 

  • Hypersensitivity to triazolam, other prescription benzodiazepines or any component of the formulation
  • Concurrent use of cytochrome P450 3A inhibitors (CYP 3A), including itraconazole and ketoconazole, nefazodone and many HIV protease inhibitors
  • Pregnancy

Warnings and precautions

  • Anterograde amnesia
    • It is possible to experience anterograde amnesia.
  • Depression in the CNS:
    • CNS depression can cause impairment of mental or physical abilities. Patients should be cautious about driving or operating machinery that requires mental alertness.
  • Hypersensitivity reactions
    • Triazolam can cause anaphylaxis or angioedema. Triazolam should not be re-used in patients with angioedema.
  • Paradoxical reactions
    • Use of benzodiazepines may lead to paradoxical reactions such as hyperactive or aggressive behavior.
  • Patients at higher risk include:
    • Adolescent/pediatric patients
    • Geriatric patients
    • Patients with a history or alcohol abuse disorder
    • Psychiatric/personality disorders
    • Activities that are sleep-related:
    • The use of benzodiazepines can cause dangerous sleep-related activities, such as driving, cooking, eating, and calling while you're asleep.
  • Depression
    • Patients with depression or suicidal risk should be used cautiously. It is possible to reduce the risk by prescribing as little medication as possible for suicidal patients.
  • Use of drugs:
    • Avoid using if you have a history or are suffering from acute alcoholism.
    • This could lead to drug dependence. Tolerance, psychological and/or physical dependence may result from prolonged use.
  • Hepatic impairment
    • Avoid use in patients with hepatic impairment because the drug has a high hepatic metabolism.
  • Renal impairment
    • Be careful.
  • Respiratory disease
    • Avoid use in cases of COPD, respiratory compromise, and sleep apnea.

Triazolam: Drug Interaction

Risk Factor C (Monitor therapy)

Alcohol (Ethyl)

Alcohol's CNS depressing effect may be amplified by CNS depressants (Ethyl).

Alizapride

CNS depressants may have an enhanced CNS depressant impact.

Aprepitant

May elevate CYP3A4 substrates' serum concentration (High risk with Inhibitors)

Bosentan

May lower the serum level of CYP3A4 substrates (High risk with Inducers).

Brexanolone

CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Brexanolone.

Brimonidine (Topical)

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants.

Bromopride

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants.

Cannabidiol

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants.

Cannabis

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants.

Chlorphenesin Carbamate

May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants.

Clofazimine

May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors).

CNS Depressants

May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other CNS Depressants.

CYP3A4 Inducers (Moderate)

May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers).

CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate)

May decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors).

Deferasirox

May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers).

Dexamethasone (Systemic)

May decrease the serum concentration of Triazolam.

Dimethindene (Topical)

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants.

Doxylamine

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: The manufacturer of Diclegis (doxylamine/pyridoxine), intended for use in pregnancy, specifically states that use with other CNS depressants is not recommended.

Dronabinol

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants.

Duvelisib

May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors).

Erdafitinib

May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers).

Erdafitinib

May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors).

Esketamine

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants.

Fosaprepitant

May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors).

Fosnetupitant

May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors).

HydrOXYzine

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants.

Ivosidenib

May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers).

Kava Kava

CNS depressants' harmful or toxic effects could be increased.

Larotrectinib

May elevate CYP3A4 substrates' serum concentration (High risk with Inhibitors).

Lofexidine

CNS depressants may have an enhanced CNS depressant impact. Management: Separate drug interaction monographs go into further detail about the medications indicated as exceptions to this book.

Magnesium Sulfate

CNS depressants may have an enhanced CNS depressant impact.

Melatonin

Could make benzodiazepines more sedative.

MetyroSINE

CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of MetyroSINE.

Minocycline

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants.

Mirtazapine

CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Mirtazapine.

Nabilone

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants.

Netupitant

May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors).

Palbociclib

May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors).

Piribedil

Piribedil's CNS depressing effects may be enhanced by other CNS depressants.

Pramipexole

The sedative effects of pramipexole might be enhanced by CNS depressants.

ROPINIRole

The sedative effects of CNS depressants may increase those of ROPINIRole.

Rotigotine

Rotigotine's sedative effects may be boosted by CNS depressants.

Rufinamide

CNS depressants' harmful or toxic effects could be increased. Particularly, drowsiness and lightheadedness could be worsened.

Sarilumab

May lower the serum level of CYP3A4 substrates (High risk with Inducers).

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may have a worsened or more hazardous effect when taken with CNS depressants. Particularly, there may be an increased risk of psychomotor impairment.

Siltuximab

May lower the serum level of CYP3A4 substrates (High risk with Inducers).

Simeprevir

Triazolam serum levels can rise.

Teduglutide

Benzodiazepines' serum concentration may rise.

Tetrahydrocannabinol

CNS depressants may have an enhanced CNS depressant impact.

Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol

CNS depressants may have an enhanced CNS depressant impact.

Tocilizumab

May lower the serum level of CYP3A4 substrates (High risk with Inducers).

Trimeprazine

CNS depressants may have an enhanced CNS depressant impact.

Yohimbine

May lessen the therapeutic impact of anxiety medications.

Risk Factor D (Consider therapy modification)

Blonanserin

CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Blonanserin.

Buprenorphine

CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Buprenorphine. Management: Consider reduced doses of other CNS depressants, and avoiding such drugs in patients at high risk of buprenorphine overuse/self-injection. Initiate buprenorphine at lower doses in patients already receiving CNS depressants.

Chlormethiazole

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Monitor closely for evidence of excessive CNS depression. The chlormethiazole labeling states that an appropriately reduced dose should be used if such a combination must be used.

CloZAPine

Benzodiazepines may intensify CloZAPine's harmful or hazardous effects. Prior to starting clozapine, consider lowering the dose of benzodiazepines or even stopping them altogether.

CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong)

May increase the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers). Management: Consider an alternative for one of the interacting drugs. Some combinations may be specifically contraindicated. Consult appropriate manufacturer labeling.

Dabrafenib

May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers). Management: Seek alternatives to the CYP3A4 substrate when possible. If concomitant therapy cannot be avoided, monitor clinical effects of the substrate closely (particularly therapeutic effects).

Droperidol

CNS depressants may have an enhanced CNS depressant impact. Consider lowering the dosage of droperidol or other CNS drugs (such as opioids or barbiturates) when they are used concurrently. In separate drug interaction monographs, exceptions to this monograph are covered in more detail.

Enzalutamide

May lower the serum level of CYP3A4 substrates (High risk with Inducers). Treatment: Enzalutamide should not be used concurrently with CYP3A4 substrates that have a limited therapeutic index. Enzalutamide use, like with the use of any other CYP3A4 substrate, should be done cautiously and under close observation.

Erythromycin (Systemic)

Triazolam serum levels can rise. Management: Look into alternatives to using erythromycin and triazolam together. If coupled, exercise greater caution and keep a closer eye out for adverse effects of triazolam. Triazolam dosage reductions can be required.

Flunitrazepam

CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunitrazepam.

HYDROcodone

CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of HYDROcodone. Management: Avoid concomitant use of hydrocodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug.

Lorlatinib

May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers). Management: Avoid concurrent use of lorlatinib with any CYP3A4 substrates for which a minimal decrease in serum concentrations of the CYP3A4 substrate could lead to therapeutic failure and serious clinical consequences.

Methadone

The CNS depressive effect of methadone may be strengthened by benzodiazepines. Management: When at all possible, clinicians should refrain from combining the use of benzodiazepines with methadone; nonetheless, any combination should be used with extreme caution.

Methotrimeprazine

The CNS depressing action of methotrimeprazine may be enhanced by CNS depressants. The CNS depressant action of CNS Depressants may be strengthened by methotrimeprazine. Management: Start concurrent methotrimeprazine therapy while reducing the adult dose of CNS depressants by 50%. Only once a clinically effective dose of methotrimeprazine has been established should additional CNS depressant dosage modifications be made.

Mitotane

May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers). Management: Doses of CYP3A4 substrates may need to be adjusted substantially when used in patients being treated with mitotane.

Opioid Agonists

CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug.

OxyCODONE

CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of OxyCODONE. Management: Avoid concomitant use of oxycodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug.

Perampanel

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Patients taking perampanel with any other drug that has CNS depressant activities should avoid complex and high-risk activities, particularly those such as driving that require alertness and coordination, until they have experience using the combination.

St John's Wort

May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inducers). Management: Consider an alternative for one of the interacting drugs. Some combinations may be specifically contraindicated. Consult appropriate manufacturer labeling.

Stiripentol

May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Management: Use of stiripentol with CYP3A4 substrates that are considered to have a narrow therapeutic index should be avoided due to the increased risk for adverse effects and toxicity. Any CYP3A4 substrate used with stiripentol requires closer monitoring.

Suvorexant

CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Suvorexant. Management: Dose reduction of suvorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of suvorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of suvorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended.

Tapentadol

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Avoid concomitant use of tapentadol and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug.

Theophylline Derivatives

May diminish the therapeutic effect of Benzodiazepines.

Zolpidem

CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Zolpidem. Management: Reduce the Intermezzo brand sublingual zolpidem adult dose to 1.75 mg for men who are also receiving other CNS depressants. No such dose change is recommended for women. Avoid use with other CNS depressants at bedtime; avoid use with alcohol.

Risk Factor X (Avoid combination)

Azelastine (Nasal)

CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Azelastine (Nasal).

Bromperidol

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants.

Conivaptan

May elevate CYP3A4 substrates' serum concentration (High risk with Inhibitors).

CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Strong)

Triazolam serum levels can rise.

Fusidic Acid (Systemic)

May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors).

Idelalisib

May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors).

OLANZapine

May intensify the harmful or negative effects of benzodiazepines. Due to the possibility of cumulative negative side effects, avoid using parenteral benzodiazepines and intramuscular olanzapine concurrently (e.g., cardiorespiratory depression). There are no particular instructions for oral administration in the prescribing information for olanzapine.

Orphenadrine

The CNS depressing action of orphenadrine may be enhanced by CNS depressants.

Oxomemazine

May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants.

Paraldehyde

CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Paraldehyde.

Sodium Oxybate

Benzodiazepines may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Sodium Oxybate.

Thalidomide

CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Thalidomide.

Monitoring parameters:

  • Daytime alertness
  • Respiratory rate
  • Behavior profile

How to administer Triazolam?

  • Should be given on an empty stomach; not to be taken with a meal or immediately post-meal.
  • May crush or swallow tablet as a whole. Take immediately before bedtime. The drug has rapid onset of action. 

Mechanism of action of Triazolam:

  • Many areas of the CNS, including the limbic system and reticular formation, are where it binds to stereospecific benzodiazepine receptors on postsynaptic GABA neuron.
  • The inhibitory impact of GABA on neuronal excitability is strengthened as a result of increased membrane permeability to chloride ions.
  • As a result of a change in chloride ions, hyperpolarization (a less excitable state) and stability take place. The actions and GABA-A receptors of benzodiazepines appear to be related. The GABA-B receptors are unaffected by benzodiazepines.

The onset of action: Hypnotic: 15 to 30 minutes

Duration of action: Hypnotic: 6 to 7 hours

Protein binding: High protein binding i.e 89%

Metabolism: Extensively in liver

Half-life elimination: Half-life is 1.5 to 5.5 hours

Time to peak: Within 2 hours after oral administration

Excretion:

  • Excreted in urine almost 80% as metabolites and small amounts as unchanged drug.

International Brands of Triazolam:

  • Halcion
  • Arring
  • Balidon
  • Drowsy
  • Halcion
  • Hanlexin
  • Hypam
  • Inzolam
  • Novidorm
  • Nuctane
  • Rilamir
  • Somese
  • Songar
  • Trialam
  • Triram
  • Trycam
  • Zolmin

Triazolam Brand Names in Pakistan:

Triazolam 250 mcg Tablets

Halcion Pfizer Laboratories Ltd.