Flurazepam Hydrochloride
Pronunciation: flure-AYZ-uh-pam.
- Generic name
- Flurazepam hydrochloride
- Brand names
- Dalmadorm, Fluzepam, Dalmane, Somnol, Somnite, Flurazepam Sandoz
- Drug class
- Benzodiazepine hypnotic
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Flurazepam hydrochloride is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Flurazepam hydrochloride works
Flurazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine that enhances the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor. This increases neuronal membrane permeability to chloride ions, resulting in hyperpolarization and decreased neuronal excitability, which produces sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects. (1) (2)
What Flurazepam hydrochloride is used for
Insomnia
Insomnia (2)
Short-term treatment of insomnia
Short-term treatment of insomnia (2)
Difficulty falling asleep
Difficulty falling asleep (2)
Difficulty staying asleep
Difficulty staying asleep (2)
Frequent nocturnal awakenings
Frequent nocturnal awakenings (2)
Before taking Flurazepam hydrochloride
Do not take / not appropriate for
- hypersensitivity to flurazepam or other benzodiazepines, severe respiratory insufficiency, sleep apnea syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and acute narrow-angle glaucoma. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Flurazepam hydrochloride
- General Instructions: Take flurazepam exactly as prescribed, usually once daily at bedtime. Do not take more than recommended or for longer than prescribed.. Adult Dosing: Typical starting dose for adults is 15–30 mg orally at bedtime. Dose may be adjusted based on response and tolerability.. Pediatric Dosing: Flurazepam is generally not recommended for use in children and adolescents due to lack of established safety and efficacy.. Administration: Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Take just before going to bed to minimize next-day drowsiness.. When To Stop: Do not stop flurazepam suddenly without medical advice. Your doctor may gradually reduce your dose to prevent withdrawal symptoms.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include extreme drowsiness, confusion, loss of consciousness, and slowed or shallow breathing. Seek emergency medical help immediately if overdose is suspected. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Drowsiness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Ataxia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Confusion
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Memory impairment
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Paradoxical reactions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Respiratory depression
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dependence and withdrawal symptoms
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
BOXED WARNING (class-wide for all benzodiazepines) — serious
Symptoms: BOXED WARNING (class-wide for all benzodiazepines): (1) Concomitant use with opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death — avoid combining unless supervised by a healthcare provider. (2) Even at recommended doses, flurazepam carries a risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. (3) Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dose reduction may cause acute withdrawal reactions that can be life-threatening; any dose reduction is tapered gradually under medical supervision.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Risk of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal with prolonged use — serious
Symptoms: Risk of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal with prolonged use. May cause next-day drowsiness and impair mental alertness. Use with caution in elderly and those with liver or respiratory impairment. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. May worsen depression or suicidal thoughts in some individuals.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications include hypersensitivity to flurazepam or other benzodiazepines (rare angioedema of the throat has occurred — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications include hypersensitivity to flurazepam or other benzodiazepines (rare angioedema of the throat has occurred; affected patients should not be re-treated), severe respiratory insufficiency, sleep apnea syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Use with caution in elderly patients, those with hepatic or renal impairment, history of substance abuse, depression, or respiratory disorders.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Flurazepam can interact with other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol, opioids, antihistamines, antipsychotics, and other sleep medications, increasing the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. CYP450 inhibitors or inducers may alter flurazepam levels. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Neonates exposed to flurazepam late in pregnancy may show sedation (respiratory depression, lethargy, low muscle tone) and/or withdrawal symptoms (hyperreflexia, irritability, tremors, feeding difficulties). Women of childbearing potential should discuss pregnancy planning with the prescriber; a pregnancy exposure registry exists (contact the manufacturer/FDA for details). (2)
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during flurazepam treatment, because of the drug's long half-life, its potential to accumulate in breast milk, and the risk of sedation or withdrawal effects in the infant. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable. Max Single Dose: Not applicable. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children (2)
Renal_impairment
The label states only that usual precautions should be observed in renal or hepatic impairment; no specific numeric dose-adjustment table is published. Use with caution and clinician-guided dosing in these patients. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
The label states only that usual precautions should be observed in renal or hepatic impairment; no specific numeric dose-adjustment table is published. Use with caution and clinician-guided dosing in these patients. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at 20-25C (68-77F), USP controlled room temperature, protected from light and moisture, in a tight, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure. Keep out of reach of children.
Study the drug class: Benzodiazepines
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Insomnia
Dose summary: 15 mg to 30 mg orally at bedtime
Renal context: No specific numeric renal-dose-adjustment table is published; usual precautions apply in renal impairment, with dosing individualized by the prescriber. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does flurazepam work?
Flurazepam typically begins to work within 30–60 minutes after taking a dose. It is designed to help you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Can I take flurazepam every night?
Flurazepam is intended for short-term use only, usually 7–10 days. Long-term use increases the risk of dependence and side effects. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Is flurazepam addictive?
Yes, flurazepam can be habit-forming, especially with prolonged use. Do not increase your dose or use it for longer than prescribed.
What should I do if I feel drowsy the next day?
Next-day drowsiness is a common side effect. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel sleepy. Talk to your doctor if this persists.
Can I drink alcohol while taking flurazepam?
No. Alcohol increases the sedative effects of flurazepam and can be dangerous. Avoid all alcoholic beverages while using this medication.
Is flurazepam safe during pregnancy?
Flurazepam is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks to the baby. Discuss alternatives with your doctor.
What happens if I stop flurazepam suddenly?
Stopping flurazepam abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and insomnia. Your doctor will guide you on how to taper the dose safely.
What happens if I take too much Flurazepam?
Taking too much Flurazepam can lead to symptoms such as severe drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, and loss of coordination. In severe cases, it may cause respiratory depression, coma, or even death. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention or contact poison control without delay.
What is the mechanism of action of Flurazepam hydrochloride?
Flurazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine that enhances the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor. This increases neuronal membrane permeability to chloride ions, resulting in hyperpolarization and decreased neuronal excitability, which produces sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects. (1) (2)
What is the generic name of Flurazepam Hydrochloride?
The generic name is Flurazepam hydrochloride. It is sold under brand names including Dalmadorm, Fluzepam, Dalmane, Somnol, Somnite, Flurazepam Sandoz.
What class of drug is Flurazepam hydrochloride?
Flurazepam Hydrochloride is classed as: Benzodiazepine hypnotic.
References
- Flurazepam — clinician-authored medicine record (internal database)MedGuideGlobal · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Flurazepam hydrochloride capsules — FDA prescribing information (DailyMed)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- Flurazepam — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Flurazepam Hydrochloride — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA072368)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Flurazepam — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 4501)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Flurazepam hydrochloride names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
Canada
- SOM-PAM