Pharmacokinetics of temazepam compared with other benzodiazepine hypnotics--some clinical consequences

British Association for Psychopharmacology consensus statement on evidence-based treatment of insomnia, parasomnias and circadian rhythm disorders

Sleep disorders are common in the general population and even more so in clinical practice, yet are relatively poorly understood by doctors and other health care practitioners. These British Association for Psychopharmacology guidelines are designed to address this problem by providing an accessible up-to-date and evidence-based outline of the major issues, especially those relating to reliable diagnosis and appropriate treatment. A consensus meeting was held in London in May 2009. Those invited to attend included BAP members, representative clinicians with a strong interest in sleep disorders and recognized experts and advocates in the field, including a representative from mainland Europe and the USA. Presenters were asked to provide a review of the literature and identification of the standard of evidence in their area, with an emphasis on meta-analyses, systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials where available, plus updates on current clinical practice. Each presentation was followed by discussion, aimed to reach consensus where the evidence and/or clinical experience was considered adequate or otherwise to flag the area as a direction for future research. A draft of the proceedings was then circulated to all participants for comment. Key subsequent publications were added by the writer and speakers at draft stage. All comments were incorporated as far as possible in the final document, which represents the views of all participants although the authors take final responsibility for the document.

The effect of ondansetron on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of temazepam

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of ondansetron on the pharmacokinetics of temazepam and on pharmacodynamics relevant to its use as oral premedication. Twenty-four healthy volunteers (12 of each sex) were administered the following oral treatments in a randomised, double-blind crossover design: temazepam 20 mg plus placebo; or temazepam 20 mg plus ondansetron 8 mg. Blood samples were taken for plasma temazepam assay at intervals up to 32 h after administration. In addition, a brief battery of psychomotor tests was administered 1 h prior to dosing and 1 and 4 h after dosing. Analysis of the derived pharmacokinetic parameters showed no differences between the treatments described above. Analysis of data from the dynamic measures likewise showed no difference between the treatments. It was concluded that the co-administration of ondansetron did not influence the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamic actions of temazepam.

Prolongation of xylazine/ketamine induced recumbency time with temazepam in horses

Short term anaesthesia induced with xylazine and ketamine was compared to a combination of xylazine, ketamine and temazepam (a benzodiazepine) in six adult horses. Duration of recumbency was significantly prolonged when temazepam was administered with xylazine and ketamine. No significant differences in heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure or arterial pH, pCO2 and pO2 were seen between the xylazine and ketamine combination plus temazepam, and xylazine and ketamine combination only treated horses.