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Long-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic

Flurazepam

Brand names: Dalmane

Flurazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic used for the short-term management of insomnia.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It potentiates GABA at the GABA-A receptor to enhance inhibitory neurotransmission, producing sedative and hypnotic effects.

Prescribing in practice

  • Its long half-life and active metabolites cause accumulation and pronounced next-day sedation, so use should be short-term and cautious, particularly in the elderly.
  • Dependence, tolerance and withdrawal limit duration of use; avoid abrupt cessation.
  • Combination with alcohol or other CNS depressants increases sedation and respiratory depression.

Monitoring

Monitor for next-day sedation, accumulation, dependence and respiratory depression, especially in older patients.

Counselling the patient

  • May cause significant drowsiness the next day, affecting driving and skilled tasks.
  • Avoid alcohol and other sedating medicines.
  • Use for the shortest period possible and do not stop suddenly after regular use.

Evidence & guidelines

Benzodiazepine hypnotics are recommended only for short-term insomnia because of dependence and residual sedation, consistent with NICE guidance.

Reference: NICE TA77; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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