Plasma concentrations following oral and sublingual administration of lorazepam

Lorazepam 2.5 mg was given as premedication either orally or sublingually to 20 patients undergoing minor gynaecological surgery. Plasma concentrations were followed for up to 8 h after administration. The time for the maximal plasma concentration (tmax) occurred 40 min after oral administration and 60 min after sublingual administration. No significant differences were found between the two treatments at any time. The plasma concentration after 8 h was high compared to the maximal plasma concentration.