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Short-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic

Loprazolam

Loprazolam is a benzodiazepine hypnotic used for the short-term treatment of insomnia that is severe, disabling or causing marked distress.

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 enhances the inhibitory action of GABA at the GABA-A receptor, increasing chloride conductance to produce sedative and hypnotic effects.

Prescribing in practice

  • Tolerance and dependence can develop, so it should be prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time, generally no more than a short course.
  • It can cause next-day sedation and impair psychomotor performance, with additive effects when combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants.
  • Use with caution in the elderly and avoid abrupt withdrawal after regular use.

Monitoring

Review the ongoing need for treatment regularly and monitor for tolerance, dependence and excessive daytime sedation.

Counselling the patient

  • Explain that the medicine is intended only for short-term use.
  • Avoid alcohol and be cautious about driving, particularly the morning after a dose.
  • Do not stop suddenly after regular use; seek advice on reducing the dose.

Evidence & guidelines

Guidance from NICE and current prescribing references supports using benzodiazepine hypnotics such as loprazolam only short term owing to the risk of dependence.

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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