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Lorazepam

Benzodiazepine Anticonvulsant / Anxiolytic
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Intermediate-acting benzodiazepine that enhances GABA-A receptor function. Conjugated directly by glucuronidation (no CYP450 oxidative metabolism) — safer in hepatic disease than diazepam. Potent anxiolytic and anticonvulsant.

At a glance

Class
Benzodiazepine Anticonvulsant / Anxiolytic
Schedule
Controlled Substance
Storage
Store at room temperature; refrigerate injectable; protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Preferred benzodiazepine for status epilepticus when IV access difficult (good I
Dose
0.1–0.5 mg/kg
Route
IV, IM, PO
Frequency
As needed (seizures); q8–12h (anxiety)
🐈

Cat

Safer than diazepam in cats with hepatic disease (glucuronidation pathway vs
Dose
0.1–0.25 mg/kg
Route
IV, PO
Frequency
As needed or q12–24h

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength
—
Strength
—
Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature; refrigerate injectable; protect from light

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Seizure responseSedation levelRespiratory rateHepatic enzymes (cats)

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Phenobarbital
moderate
Additive CNS depression. Unlike diazepam, lorazepam is conjugated by glucuronidation (not CYP450), so phenobarbital enzyme induction has minimal effect on lorazepam levels.
Management: Standard anticonvulsant combination. Lorazepam preferred over diazepam when adding to phenobarbital (predictable levels). Monitor sedation.

Brands

Other markets

Ativan

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Lorazepam?
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant / anxiolytic used in pets. Intermediate-acting benzodiazepine that enhances GABA-A receptor function. Conjugated directly by glucuronidation (no CYP450 oxidative metabolism) — safer in hepatic disease than diazepam. Potent anxiolytic and anticonvulsant.
›What is Lorazepam used for in pets?
Lorazepam is used in veterinary medicine for: Preferred benzodiazepine for status epilepticus when IV access difficult (good I; Safer than diazepam in cats with hepatic disease (glucuronidation pathway vs.
›What is the Lorazepam dose for dogs?
For dogs, Lorazepam is typically dosed as follows — Preferred benzodiazepine for status epilepticus when IV access difficult (good I: 0.1–0.5 mg/kg IV/IM/PO As needed (seizures); q8–12h (anxiety). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Lorazepam dose for cats?
For cats, Lorazepam is typically dosed as follows — Safer than diazepam in cats with hepatic disease (glucuronidation pathway vs: 0.1–0.25 mg/kg IV/PO As needed or q12–24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Lorazepam need a prescription?
Lorazepam is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Benzodiazepine Anticonvulsant / Anxiolytic).

Clonazepam
Enhances GABA-A receptor function by binding the benzodiazepine allosteric site, increasing chloride channel opening. Potent anticonvulsant with longer duration than diazepam.
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Clorazepate
Prodrug rapidly converted to nordazepam, a long-acting benzodiazepine that enhances GABA-A receptor function providing anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects.
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