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Lorazepam

Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine (a calming, sedating medicine) used for anxiety disorders as a tablet or oral liquid, and as an injection for status epilepticus (a prolonged, dangerous seizure) and for sedation before surgery.

Brand names AtivanLorazepam IntensolLoreev XrLoreev
Drug class Benzodiazepine
Rx Schedule CIV Forms 4
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026 Content updated Oct 2, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 105 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

Lorazepam at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
The Pharmacist’s Take By · Clinical pharmacist · Written

Lorazepam (Ativan) is a familiar benzodiazepine, on the market since about 1980 and available generically, that boosts GABA, the brain's natural calming chemical, to treat anxiety disorders, usually for short stretches, and, as an injection, status epilepticus (a prolonged, dangerous seizure) and sedation before surgery. Short-term use is usually well tolerated, and drowsiness and unsteadiness are what people notice most, more so in older adults. Its boxed warning covers dangerously slowed breathing when combined with opioids, plus misuse, addiction and physical dependence, and alcohol adds to the same breathing risk. After regular use, never stop suddenly, because withdrawal can be life-threatening, so plan any taper with your prescriber.

Clinical pearls

  • Mix the oral concentrate with water, juice, applesauce or pudding using the supplied dropper, and finish it right away.
  • Loreev XR is taken once each morning, swallowed whole or sprinkled on applesauce, and never crushed or chewed.
  • Valproate (a seizure and mood medicine) and probenecid (a gout medicine) raise lorazepam levels, so dose reductions may be needed.
  • If you take it long term, expect periodic blood counts and liver tests, which the label advises.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →
⚠️ FDA Boxed Warning — the FDA’s strongest safety alert ▾

Taking lorazepam with opioids can cause extreme sleepiness, slowed breathing, coma and death. Doctors should reserve this combination for when no other options work, using the lowest dose and shortest time.

Benzodiazepines also carry a risk of abuse, misuse and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Risk is higher when mixed with other medicines, alcohol or illicit drugs.

Continued use can cause physical dependence. Stopping suddenly or cutting the dose too fast can cause withdrawal reactions that may be life-threatening. Your doctor should lower the dose gradually. This boxed warning is shown for Loreev XR.

Read the full warning on DailyMed →
How you get itPrescription only
Comes asTablet, Injection, Extended-release capsule +1
Earliest FDA record1977
Companies listing it with the FDA36
FDA label last updatedOct 8, 2025
FDA’s strongest warning (boxed)Yes, read the warning

Patient information guide A plain-language walkthrough of Lorazepam, written from its FDA label.

What Lorazepam is used for

▾

Lorazepam is used for different conditions depending on the product:

  • Lorazepam and Ativan tablets, and lorazepam oral solution (concentrate): anxiety disorders, or short-term relief of anxiety symptoms, including anxiety with depressive symptoms.
  • Ativan and Lorazepam injection: status epilepticus.
  • Ativan and Lorazepam injection: in adults, sedation, anxiety relief and reduced memory of surgery day before an operation.
  • Loreev XR extended-release capsules: anxiety disorders in adults stable on lorazepam tablets three times daily.

How Lorazepam works

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Lorazepam binds to the benzodiazepine site on GABA-A receptors in the brain. This strengthens GABA, a chemical that calms nerve signaling. That calming effect eases anxiety, causes sedation and reduces seizure activity.

Lorazepam dosage

▾

Lorazepam tablets and oral concentrate are taken by mouth, with dose and duration tailored to you. Mix the concentrate into liquid or soft food and use it all right away.

  • Loreev XR: once daily in the morning, swallowed whole or sprinkled on applesauce. Do not crush or chew.
  • Injection: given by a healthcare professional into a muscle or vein.

Follow your prescriber and the label, and ask your pharmacist about missed doses.

Dosing details from the FDA-approved label

From the Lorazepam prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.

  • Status epilepticus (intravenous injection, patients 18 years and older)
    • 4 mg given slowly (2 mg/min)
    • If seizures continue or recur after a 10- to 15-minute observation period, an additional 4 mg intravenous dose may be slowly administered
    • If seizures cease, no additional dose is required; experience with further doses is very limited
  • Status epilepticus (intramuscular injection)
    • IM ATIVAN is not preferred because therapeutic lorazepam levels may not be reached as quickly as with IV administration
    • May prove useful when an intravenous port is not available
    • The label gives no specific IM dose for status epilepticus
  • Preanesthetic (intramuscular injection)
    • 0.05 mg/kg, administered at least 2 hours before the anticipated operative procedure
    • Maximum: 4 mg
    • Individualize the dose; not recommended in patients less than 18 years of age
  • Preanesthetic, sedation and relief of anxiety (intravenous injection)
    • Initial dose 2 mg total, or 0.02 mg/lb (0.044 mg/kg), whichever is smaller, given 15 to 20 minutes before the procedure
    • For greater lack of recall, doses as high as 0.05 mg/kg may be given
    • Maximum: 4 mg total
    • Ordinarily should not exceed the initial dose in patients over 50 years of age; not recommended under 18 years
  • Loreev XR (extended-release capsule), patients switched from lorazepam tablets three times daily
    • Once daily in the morning, equal to the total daily dose of lorazepam tablets (e.g., 1 mg three times daily = LOREEV XR 3 mg once daily)
    • For dosage increase, discontinue LOREEV XR and switch to lorazepam tablets; capsules may be swallowed whole or sprinkled on applesauce, do not crush or chew
  • Elderly patients and patients with hepatic disease
    • No dosage adjustments are needed
  • Patients with renal disease
    • For acute dose administration, adjustment is not needed
    • Caution if frequent doses are given over relatively short periods of time
  • Patients taking probenecid or valproate
    • Reduce the dose of ATIVAN by 50%
  • Female patients taking oral contraceptives
    • It may be necessary to increase the dose of ATIVAN
Read the label’s full dosing text

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended dosage of LOREEV XR is equal to the total daily dose of lorazepam tablets (at the previous three times daily dosage) ( 2.1 ) Administer LOREEV XR orally once daily in the morning ( 2.2 ) Capsules may be swallowed whole or opened and the entire contents sprinkled onto applesauce. Do not crush or chew ( 2.2 ) For dosage adjustments, discontinue LOREEV XR and switch to lorazepam tablets to adjust dosage ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage Initiate LOREEV XR in patients who are being treated with lorazepam tablets, administered three times daily in evenly divided doses (refer to the Prescribing Information of lorazepam tablets for the recommended dosage of lorazepam tablets). Discontinue lorazepam tablets and administer the first dose of LOREEV XR in the morning the day after the final dose of lorazepam tablets. The recommended once daily dosage of LOREEV XR is equal to the total daily dose of lorazepam tablets. For example, the recommended dosage for patients who have been receiving lorazepam tablets at a dosage of 1 mg three times daily is LOREEV XR 3 mg once daily in the morning. The effectiveness of LOREEV XR use for more than 4 months has not been assessed in clinical studies. Healthcare providers should periodically re-evaluate longer term use of LOREEV XR. 2.2 Administration Information Administer LOREEV XR orally once daily, in the morning, with or without food. Do not crush or chew LOREEV XR. Swallow LOREEV XR capsules whole or open the capsule and sprinkle the entire contents over a tablespoon of applesauce, followed by drinking water. Consume all the sprinkled LOREEV XR in its entirety, (without chewing) within 2 hours; do not store for future use. 2.3 Dosage Increase for Inadequate Clinical Response If the clinical response to LOREEV XR is inadequate and a dosage increase in needed, discontinue LOREEV XR and switch to lorazepam tablets to increase the dosage. If an adequate clinical response is achieved with a stable, evenly divided three times daily dosage of lorazepam tablets, resume LOREEV XR once daily dosing with the total daily dose of lorazepam tablets [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . 2.4 Discontinuation or Dosage Reduction of LOREEV XR To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue LOREEV XR or reduce the dosage.

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →

Lorazepam side effects

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Common effects are sedating and affect balance.

Common side effects

  • Drowsiness or sleepiness
  • Low blood pressure (with the injection for status epilepticus)
  • Unsteadiness
  • Sedation, which tends to increase with age
  • More sedation in older adults

When to get medical help

  • Slowed or shallow breathing, extreme sleepiness or being hard to wake (especially with opioids or alcohol)
  • Seizures or other withdrawal symptoms after stopping suddenly or cutting the dose too fast
  • Worsening depression or thoughts of suicide
  • Unusual agitation, irritability, aggression or confusion (paradoxical reactions)
  • Signs of misuse or addiction, such as taking more than prescribed
  • Allergic-type reactions, including asthma symptoms, with Loreev XR 1 mg capsules (contain tartrazine/FD&C Yellow No. 5)
  • Pain during an injection into a vein (the injection should be stopped right away)

Lorazepam warnings and precautions

▾
  • Opioids: combined use can cause slowed breathing, coma and death.
  • Abuse and addiction: risk of misuse, overdose and death.
  • Dependence and withdrawal: stopping suddenly can cause life-threatening withdrawal, so a gradual taper is needed.
  • Sedation: avoid driving and alcohol.
  • Depression: it may emerge or worsen.
  • Paradoxical reactions: agitation or aggression, possibly more likely in older adults.

Lorazepam interactions

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Lorazepam can add to the effects of other sedating drugs.

  • Opioids: dangerous breathing suppression.
  • Alcohol: more sedation, and it should be avoided.
  • Other CNS depressants and antidepressants: additive sedation.
  • Clozapine, loxapine, haloperidol: serious reactions reported.
  • Scopolamine (with the injection): more sedation and hallucinations.
  • Valproate and probenecid: raise lorazepam levels.
  • Oral contraceptives: may lower lorazepam levels.

Interactions listed in the FDA-approved label

From the Lorazepam prescribing information (“Drug Interactions”): what the manufacturer studied or reported to the FDA.

  • Opioids: Concomitant use increases the risk of respiratory depression, and benzodiazepines can significantly worsen opioid-related respiratory depression. Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression and sedation.
  • Other CNS depressants (ethyl alcohol, phenothiazines, barbiturates, MAO inhibitors, other antidepressants): Injectable lorazepam produces additive depression of the central nervous system. Caution is advised if concomitant administration is required.
  • Scopolamine: An increased incidence of sedation, hallucinations and irrational behavior has been observed with injectable lorazepam. Caution is advised if concomitant administration is required.
  • Loxapine: Rare reports of significant respiratory depression, stupor and/or hypotension. Caution is advised if concomitant administration is required.
  • Clozapine: Marked sedation, excessive salivation, ataxia, and, rarely, death have been reported. Caution is advised if concomitant administration is required.
  • Haloperidol: Apnea, coma, bradycardia, arrhythmia, heart arrest, and death have been reported. Caution is advised if concomitant administration is required.
  • Metoprolol, cimetidine, ranitidine, disulfiram, propranolol, metronidazole, propoxyphene: No effect on the pharmacokinetics of lorazepam. No change in Lorazepam Injection dosage is necessary.
  • Valproate: Decreased total clearance of lorazepam by 40% and decreased formation rate of lorazepam glucuronide by 55%; lorazepam plasma concentrations were about two-fold higher for at least 12 hours post-dose. Reduce lorazepam dosage to 50% of the normal adult dose.
  • Oral contraceptive steroids: 55% decrease in half-life, 50% increase in volume of distribution, and an almost 3.7-fold increase in total clearance of lorazepam. It may be necessary to increase the dose of Lorazepam Injection in female patients taking oral contraceptives.
  • Probenecid: Prolonged lorazepam half-life by 130% and decreased its total clearance by 45%. Reduce Lorazepam Injection dosage by 50% when coadministered with probenecid.
Read the label’s full interactions text

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 1 presents clinically significant interactions with LOREEV XR. Use with Opioids: Increase the risk of respiratory depression ( 7 ) CNS depressants: Additive CNS depressant effects (7) Alcohol: Avoid use. Increases the release rate of LOREEV XR (7) UGT Inhibitors: Avoid initiation of UGT inhibitors. Dose reduction requires switching to lorazepam tablets for dose adjustment (7) Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with LOREEV XR. Opioids Clinical Impact The concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids increases the risk of respiratory depression because of actions at different receptor sites in the CNS that control respiration. Benzodiazepines interact at gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA A ) sites and opioids interact primarily at mu receptors. When benzodiazepines and opioids are combined, the potential for benzodiazepines to significantly worsen opioid-related respiratory depression exists [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Intervention Limit dosage and duration of concomitant use of LOREEV XR and opioids, and monitor patients closely for respiratory depression and sedation. Alcohol Clinical Impact Based on an in vitro study, alcohol increases the release rate of LOREEV XR [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Intervention Avoid concomitant use of alcohol during treatment with LOREEV XR [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . CNS-Depressants Clinical Impact Benzodiazepines, including LOREEV XR, increase CNS-depressant effects when administered with other CNS depressants. Concomitant use of clozapine and LOREEV XR may produce marked sedation, excessive salivation, hypotension, ataxia, delirium, and respiratory arrest. Intervention Avoid co-administration of alcohol with LOREEV XR. Use caution if LOREEV XR is co-administered with other CNS-depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] .

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Drug Interactions section on DailyMed →

Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.

🌿119 supplements and herbs with documented Lorazepam interactions, ranked by severity Check Lorazepam against a supplement or herb →

Before taking Lorazepam

▾
  • Allergy to benzodiazepines or injection ingredients.
  • Sleep apnea, severe breathing problems or narrow-angle glaucoma (injection).
  • Depression, psychosis or substance misuse history.
  • Liver or kidney disease.
  • Pregnancy: possible fetal harm and newborn sedation or withdrawal.
  • Breastfeeding is not recommended with Loreev XR.
  • Older adults are more sensitive to sedation.
  • Premature infants must not receive the injection (benzyl alcohol).

Lorazepam overdose

▾

Too much can cause drowsiness, confusion, poor coordination and weak muscle tone, and in severe cases slowed breathing and coma. Mixing with alcohol or opioids can be fatal. Treatment is supportive care, and you should call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What Lorazepam does in the body

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Lorazepam enhances GABA's action in the brain, producing antianxiety effects, sedation and reduced seizure activity. Before surgery, the injection causes drowsiness, less anxiety and reduced memory of the day. These effects usually last 6 to 8 hours, though coordination can be impaired longer.

How your body processes Lorazepam

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Injected lorazepam is absorbed rapidly into the blood, peaking within about 3 hours after a muscle injection. It is broken down in the liver into an inactive form that the kidneys remove. Its half-life is about 14 hours after injection, and about 20 hours with Loreev XR, which peaks around 14 hours after dosing.

How to store Lorazepam

▾

Keep out of reach of children. Store at 20° - 25° C (68° - 77° F) . Dispense in a tight container.

Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

119

Supplements & herbs that interact with Lorazepam

119 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Lorazepam in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.

Severity mix
  • Major · 8
  • Moderate · 94
  • Minor · 17
1,4-BUTANEDIOL Major ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Major BEER Major GAMMA-HYDROXYBUTYRATE (GHB) Major GRAPEFRUIT Major KAVA Major L-TRYPTOPHAN Major WINE Major +111 more
Every supplement checked against Lorazepam — ranked by severity The full interaction hub: 8 major · 94 moderate · 17 minor · every one linked to its full report. Check Lorazepam against your exact supplements

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

1

Nutrient depletion considerations

Lorazepam has been associated with lower levels of 1 nutrient in the clinical literature. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these may be worth discussing with your pharmacist or healthcare provider, especially with long-term use.

VITAMIN K Insignificant Depletion
See the full Lorazepam nutrient depletion report

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — not medical advice. Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

Lorazepam: pharmacist answers to common questions

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Lorazepam — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

What is lorazepam for?

▾
It depends on the form. Tablets and the oral liquid are for anxiety disorders or short-term anxiety relief. The injection is used in the hospital for status epilepticus and for sedation before surgery. Loreev XR is for adults already stable on lorazepam tablets three times a day.

How should I take it?

▾
Take it exactly as your prescriber directs. If you use the liquid concentrate, mix it into water, juice, applesauce or pudding with the supplied dropper, then use it all right away. Loreev XR goes once in the morning, swallowed whole or sprinkled on applesauce, never crushed or chewed.

Can I drink alcohol or take opioids with it?

▾
No, avoid alcohol. Opioids with lorazepam can cause extreme sleepiness, slowed breathing, coma and death. Tell me about every medicine you take so we can check for problems.

Can I stop it suddenly?

▾
Please don't. Regular use can cause physical dependence, and stopping fast can cause withdrawal, including seizures. Your prescriber will lower the dose gradually.

What side effects should I expect?

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Drowsiness and unsteadiness are the common ones, so be careful driving or using machinery. Call your doctor for trouble breathing, extreme sleepiness, worsening depression, or unusual agitation or aggression.

Is it safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

▾
Lorazepam may harm an unborn baby, and late use can cause sedation or withdrawal in newborns. It also passes into breast milk, and breastfeeding is not recommended with Loreev XR. Talk with your prescriber before taking it if you are pregnant or planning to be.

Is Lorazepam available over the counter?

▾
No. Lorazepam is a prescription medicine: every Lorazepam product listed with the FDA is prescription only, so it is not sold over the counter. Your prescriber decides whether it is appropriate for you, and your pharmacist dispenses it.

Is Lorazepam a controlled substance?

▾
Yes — Lorazepam is a federally controlled substance (Schedule IV) in the United States, so how it is prescribed, refilled and dispensed is regulated by the DEA.

When was Lorazepam first available?

▾
The earliest FDA record we hold for Lorazepam is from 1977: its first approval in Drugs@FDA or its earliest product listing in the NDC Directory, whichever is older. Many older medicines were in use before their first formal FDA approval, so this is the earliest date on record, not necessarily when Lorazepam was first used.

Who makes Lorazepam?

▾
36 companies currently list Lorazepam products in the FDA's NDC Directory, including Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC, Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., Remedyrepack Inc.. That count includes repackagers and distributors as well as manufacturers (companies that sell only the raw ingredient are not counted), so fewer companies actually make it; the label on your bottle names the one that supplied yours.

Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

More about Lorazepam on HelloPharmacist

📊Lorazepam supplement interactions119 checked — ranked by severity 🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerLorazepam vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Lorazepam NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication
Detailed data & references for Lorazepam Forms & strengths, pricing, billing codes, manufacturers, safety reports and sourcing — the data behind the page. Most people can stop here. Each section below opens on a tap.

Lorazepam forms and strengths (how it comes)

Lorazepam is available in 4 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Need a version that does not list lactose, a gluten source, a dye or gelatin? Inactive ingredients differ by manufacturer: see Lorazepam inactive ingredients by manufacturer.

Tablet

By mouth
Brands Ativan
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Ativan tablets and Lorazepam tablets are used for anxiety disorders or short-term relief of anxiety symptoms.
Important instructions
  • Ativan tablets are taken by mouth, with dose, frequency and duration individualized to your response.
  • Lorazepam tablets are taken by mouth, and your prescriber sets the schedule.
Available strengths 3 strengths
0.5 mg 1 mg 2 mg
235 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Injection

Into a muscle · Into a vein
Brands Ativan
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Ativan Injection and Lorazepam Injection are used to treat status epilepticus.
  • Ativan Injection and Lorazepam Injection are used in adults for sedation, anxiety relief and reduced memory of events before surgery.
Important instructions
  • Ativan Injection and Lorazepam Injection are given by a healthcare professional, and airway equipment must be on hand before intravenous use.
  • Ativan Injection and Lorazepam Injection contain benzyl alcohol.
Available strengths 2 strengths
2 mg/mL 4 mg/mL
48 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Extended-release capsule

By mouth
Brands Loreev Xr
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Loreev XR is for anxiety disorders in adults already stable on lorazepam tablets taken three times daily.
Important instructions
  • Loreev XR is taken by mouth once daily in the morning.
  • Loreev XR capsules may be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled on applesauce. Do not crush or chew.
  • Loreev XR is not used to adjust the dose. The prescriber switches back to lorazepam tablets for adjustments.
Available strengths 4 strengths
1 mg 1.5 mg 2 mg 3 mg
13 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Oral solution

By mouth
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Lorazepam oral solution (concentrate) is used for anxiety disorders or short-term relief of anxiety symptoms.
Important instructions
  • Lorazepam oral concentrate should be mixed with liquid or soft food such as water, juice, applesauce or pudding.
  • Use only the supplied calibrated dropper or syringe.
  • Consume the entire mixture right away and do not store it for later.
Available strengths 1 strength
2 mg/mL
9 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Lorazepam on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands

How Lorazepam appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

36 companies list 147 Lorazepam product records with the FDA, mostly as tablet, injection, extended-release capsule; the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 1977. Brand names on the directory include Ativan, Lorazepam Intensol, Loreev Xr and 1 more; the rest are generics.

4
Dose forms ⓘ
36
Labelers (makers, repackagers, distributors)
3
Brand names
147
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
1977
Earliest FDA record ⓘ

FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (15) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC11%
Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.10%
Remedyrepack Inc.8%
NuCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc.7%
PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.5%
Bryant Ranch Prepack4%
Other makers54%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

How widely Lorazepam is used (Medicaid data)

A general measure of how commonly Lorazepam is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Lorazepam is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

2,080,821
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$22.7M gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Lorazepam prescribed? Of the 1,601 medications we measure, Lorazepam ranks #108 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 93% of them.

Where Lorazepam ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
Total prescriptions — #108 of 1,601
#103 Benzonatate 2,171,868 Rx #104 Apixaban 2,151,899 Rx #105 Lidocaine Transdermal... 2,146,915 Rx #106 Baclofen 2,144,009 Rx #107 Tamsulosin 2,108,678 Rx #108 Lorazepam 2,080,821 Rx #109 Pregabalin 2,058,308 Rx #110 Dexamethasone 2,033,076 Rx #111 Prazosin 2,024,285 Rx #112 Potassium 1,949,817 Rx #113 Nicotine 1,920,723 Rx

Utilization by Lorazepam product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

The 1 mg oral tablet is the most-dispensed Lorazepam product — about 45% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

lorazepam 1 MG Oral Tablet Most dispensed

942,381 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 45% of Lorazepam prescriptions shown $9M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $9.54 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 16 of 294 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197901

lorazepam 0.5 MG Oral Tablet

898,670 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 43% of Lorazepam prescriptions shown $7.9M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $8.78 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 14 of 273 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197900

lorazepam 2 MG Oral Tablet

156,917 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 8% of Lorazepam prescriptions shown $1.7M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $11 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 12 of 173 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197902

1 ML lorazepam 2 MG/ML Injection

48,530 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 2% of Lorazepam prescriptions shown $1.3M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $27 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 5 of 14 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1665188

lorazepam 2 MG/ML Oral Solution

13,208 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Lorazepam prescriptions shown $430,692 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $33 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 3 of 6 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 311376

lorazepam 2 MG/ML Injectable Solution

9,963 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Lorazepam prescriptions shown $277,099 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $28 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 5 of 10 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 238100

1 ML lorazepam 2 MG/ML Cartridge

6,340 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Lorazepam prescriptions shown $268,179 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $42 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 5 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 763028

24 HR lorazepam 3 MG Extended Release Oral Capsule

1,322 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Lorazepam prescriptions shown $579,197 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $438 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 1 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 2569577

24 HR lorazepam 2 MG Extended Release Oral Capsule

1,265 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Lorazepam prescriptions shown $566,292 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $448 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 1 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 2569573

24 HR lorazepam 1 MG Extended Release Oral Capsule

1,017 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Lorazepam prescriptions shown $433,382 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $426 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 1 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 2569564

1 ML lorazepam 4 MG/ML Injection

615 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Lorazepam prescriptions shown $18,942 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $31 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 6 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1665326

24 HR lorazepam 1.5 MG Extended Release Oral Capsule

593 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Lorazepam prescriptions shown $245,537 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $414 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 2 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 2594600

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Lorazepam, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 62 of 786 listed Lorazepam NDCs with Medicaid activity.

Compare Lorazepam products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Lorazepam — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Showing 147 of 147 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 147 Lorazepam NDCs →

Lorazepam recall history

A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.

The FDA’s enforcement reports list 3 Lorazepam recalls since July 2021, covering 6 product listings. One of them is still ongoing and is listed first. A recall names specific lots from one company, so check the lot number on your own bottle rather than assuming every product is affected; your pharmacist can check whether your supply came from an affected lot.

Ongoing Class II Jul 22, 2025 · Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications: An out-of-Specification for total related compounds
  • Lorazepam Injection, USP, 2 mg/mL, 25 x 1mL vials/carton, Rx Only, Manufactured by: Hikma Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922, NDC# 0641-6044-25 Lots: Lot # K24118, exp. date 10/31/2026 FDA record D-0551-2025 →
Class II May 11, 2023 · Terminated · Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications: Out-of-specification results for total related compounds observed during retain steting due to the elevated Related Compound-C.
  • Lorazepam Injection, USP, 2mg/mL, 1 mL vial (NDC 0641-6044-01), packaged in 25 x 1 mL Vials per carton (NDC 0641-6044-25), Rx only, Manufactured by West-Ward, Eatontown, NJ 07724. Lots: Lots: 070086, 070128, Exp. 07/2023 FDA record D-0574-2023 →
Class II Jul 11, 2022 · Terminated · Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications: Out-of-specification results observed for total related compounds during testing of retain samples.
  • Lorazepam Injection, USP, 4mg/mL, 1 mL vial, 25 vial per carton, Rx Only, Novaplus, Manufactured by Hikma Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922. Carton NDC# NDC# 0641-6045-25, Vial NDC# 0641-6045-01 Lots: Lot # 070096, exp. date 07/2023 FDA record D-1310-2022 →
  • Lorazepam Injection, USP, 2mg/mL, 1 mL vial, 25 vial per carton, Rx Only, Novaplus, Manufactured by Hikma Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922. Carton NDC# 0641-6048-25, Vial NDC# 0641-6048-01 Lots: Lot # 070088, exp. date 07/2023 FDA record D-1309-2022 →
  • Ativan Injection (lorazepam injection, USP), 2mg/mL, 1 mL vial, 25 vials per carton, RX Only, Manufactured by West-Ward Eatontown, NJ 07724, Carton NDC# 0641-6001-25, Vial NDC# 0641-6001-01 Lots: Lot # 060064Z, Exp. 06/2023 FDA record D-1308-2022 →
  • Lorazepam Injection, USP, 2mg/mL, 1 mL vial, 25 vials per carton, RX Only, Manufactured by West-Ward Eatontown, NJ 07724, Carton NDC# 0641-6044-25, Vial NDC# 0641-6044-01 Lots: Lot # 060064, Exp. 06/2023, 070084, Exp. 07/2023, 070126, Exp. 07/2023, 080091, Exp. 08/2023, 080060, Exp. 08/2023 FDA record D-1307-2022 →

Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Lorazepam RxCUI 6470 6 dose forms · 14 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Cartridge RxCUI 1664995 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 1 ML lorazepam 2 MG/ML RxCUI 763028
  3. Dose form (SCDF) Injectable Solution RxCUI 372645 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 2 MG/ML RxCUI 238100 4 MG/ML RxCUI 238101
  5. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Solution RxCUI 372644 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 2 MG/ML RxCUI 311376
  6. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Tablet RxCUI 372647 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.5 MG RxCUI 197900 1 MG RxCUI 197901 2 MG RxCUI 197902 2.5 MG RxCUI 199275

Look up RxCUI 6470 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

💵 What Lorazepam costs pharmacies (NADAC benchmark)

The national average invoice price pharmacies pay for the drug itself, from CMS's NADAC survey (data as of Sep 30, 2026). This is a supply-cost benchmark — not a retail price and not what you'd pay at the counter.

FormStrengthPharmacy acquisition benchmark
Tablet · Oral 1 mg $0.037 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet · Oral 0.5 mg $0.034 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet · Oral 2 mg $0.073 per tablet NDC details & price history
Capsule, Extended Release · Oral 2 mg $14.19 per capsule NDC details & price history
Capsule, Extended Release · Oral 3 mg $14.23 per capsule NDC details & price history
Capsule, Extended Release · Oral 1.5 mg $14.25 per capsule NDC details & price history
Capsule, Extended Release · Oral 1 mg $14.21 per capsule NDC details & price history
Why show this? Your out-of-pocket cost depends on insurance, pharmacy markup, and discounts — but the acquisition benchmark tells you whether the medication itself is inexpensive or costly, which strengths cost more per dose, and whether a cash-price quote is in a reasonable range. Each row links to the NDC-level record with its full price history.

Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), a survey of retail pharmacy invoice prices. Benchmarks shown are the range across package sizes of a representative product for each form and strength — other manufacturers' products may differ.

Lorazepam brand names

Lorazepam is sold under 4 brand names in the FDA directory — Ativan, Lorazepam Intensol, Loreev Xr, Loreev. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.

Ativan Lorazepam Intensol Loreev Xr Loreev

Who makes Lorazepam: manufacturers and labelers

36 companies list Lorazepam products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC, Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., Remedyrepack Inc.. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.

Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC 16 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. 14 Remedyrepack Inc. 12 NuCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 11 PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 8 Bryant Ranch Prepack 6 A-S Medication Solutions 5 American Health Packaging 5 Clinical Solutions Wholesale, LLC 5 Almatica Pharma LLC 4 Asclemed USA, Inc. 4 Chartwell RX, LLC 4 Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. 4 Proficient Rx LP 4 ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 3 Aurolife Pharma LLC 3 Bausch Health US LLC 3 Coupler LLC 3 Golden State Medical Supply, Inc. 3 Leading Pharma, LLC 3 Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. 3 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Inc 3 Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. 3 Unit Dose Solutions, Inc. 3

…and 12 more on the FDA NDC directory.

Lorazepam drug class (RxNorm)

Lorazepam belongs to the Benzodiazepine class.

Pharmacologic class Benzodiazepine
Drug family (ATC) Benzodiazepine derivatives

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

Sources for this Lorazepam page

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Oct 8, 2025
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Lorazepam.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Lorazepam after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
105
Finished products in the current FDA directory
147
Companies listing them (makers, repackagers, distributors)
36
FDA labeler codes behind them ⓘ
38
Linked representative label ⓘ
Almatica Pharma LLC
Linked label effective
Oct 8, 2025
Composite sections available
25
Linked SPL Set ID
227734c1-bf01-9607-73ea-5a1f38a89bd9
Linked SPL Document ID
1ce5f319-4e44-ae8e-b6be-ecf54a0d345a
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

How this page is built

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Almatica Pharma LLC is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →