flurazepam monohydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Benzodiazepine hypnotic and sedative
Licensed use
Severe insomnia that is disabling or causing extreme distress
Administration
Swallow the capsule whole with water without chewing
Important safety point
May impair alertness, coordination, memory and driving, including the next day
What is flurazepam monohydrochloride used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Symptomatic treatment of insomnia when it is severe, disabling or causing extreme distress
Difficulty getting to sleep, frequent night-time waking or inadequate total sleep duration within that indication
How does flurazepam monohydrochloride work?
Flurazepam enhances GABA’s inhibitory effect in the nervous system, reducing brain activity and promoting sedation and sleep. A long-lived active metabolite can accumulate, contributing to prolonged and next-day effects.
flurazepam monohydrochloride preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 15 mg, 30 mg
How to take flurazepam monohydrochloride
Use only as prescribed.
Swallow the capsule whole with water without chewing.
Do not drink alcohol because sedation and impairment may increase unpredictably.
Do not stop suddenly; agree a withdrawal plan with the prescriber.
flurazepam monohydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Daytime sleepiness or reduced alertness
- Dizziness, headache or altered taste
- Poor coordination, loss of balance or muscle weakness
- Confusion or memory difficulty
Get urgent medical advice
- Slow or difficult breathing, particularly at night
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling
- Marked agitation, aggression, hallucinations or other unusual behaviour
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Seizures or severe symptoms after abrupt withdrawal
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual bleeding, pallor or frequent infections
flurazepam monohydrochloride in pregnancy
Flurazepam is not recommended during pregnancy unless there are compelling clinical reasons, particularly in the first and last trimesters. Late exposure may cause newborn floppiness, low temperature, feeding or breathing difficulties, dependence and withdrawal. Contact the prescriber if pregnancy is planned or suspected; do not stop suddenly without advice.
flurazepam monohydrochloride while breastfeeding
Flurazepam is not recommended while breastfeeding because passage into milk is expected and evidence is insufficient. If a benzodiazepine is clinically necessary, specialist assessment is appropriate; shorter-acting lorazepam or oxazepam are identified as preferred options when suitable for a healthy, full-term infant.
flurazepam monohydrochloride interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products because several combinations alter sedation or flurazepam exposure.
Opioids
Additive sedation and respiratory depression can lead to coma or death; combined use requires close clinical oversight.
Alcohol
Can unpredictably intensify sedation, breathing risk and impairment; avoid alcohol.
Other sedatives and central nervous system depressants
May increase drowsiness and impairment.
Common questions about flurazepam monohydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it make me drowsy the next day?
Yes. Its long-lived active metabolite can cause residual sleepiness, reduced alertness, dizziness or impaired coordination after waking.
Can I drink alcohol?
No. Alcohol can unpredictably increase sedation, breathing problems and impairment.
Can I drive?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.