Flurazepam Hydrochloride and Perflutren lipid microsphere Intravenous

• Generic Name: flurazepam
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Dalmane

Short-term management of insomnia. Has been used effectively for periods up to 4 weeks in duration.

Has been used effectively in individuals with difficulty in falling asleep, nocturnal awakenings, and/or early morning awakening.

May exhibit carryover effect (i.e., more effective on second, third, and fourth nights of use than on first night) because of accumulation of active metabolite. Effect may persist on first and sometimes second night after discontinuance.

Because of long half-life, may be more likely to result in residual sedative effects and in impaired psychomotor and mental performance during continued therapy, although partial tolerance to these effects can occur. Differences among hypnotics in residual and cumulative CNS depressant effects may be particularly important in geriatric patients, those with potentially impaired elimination of the drugs, and those whose job or life-style requires unimpaired intellectual or psychomotor function.

• Generic Name: perflutren
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Definity, Optison

Perflutren lipid microsphere preparation is an ultrasound contrast agent. Ultrasound contrast agents are used to help provide a clear picture during ultrasound. Ultrasound is a special kind of diagnostic procedure. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create images or “pictures” of certain areas inside the body. The sound waves produced by the ultrasound equipment can be reflected (bounced off) by different parts of the body, like for example, the heart. As the sound waves return they are electronically converted into images on a television screen. Unlike x-rays, ultrasound does not involve ionizing radiation.

The perflutren lipid microspheres preparation contains very small gas-filled lipid microspheres that reflect the sound waves and help create a better picture. The lipid microsphere preparation is given by injection into a vein before ultrasound to help diagnose problems of the heart.

Perflutren lipid microsphere is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor with specialized training in ultrasound procedures.