MED-Diazepam

  1. Functional Class
    Benzodiazepine
  2. Mechanism of Action
    • Intensifies the activity of GABA- suppreses seizure activity in the motor cortex of the brain
    • Effective with stress, anxiety and alcohol withdrawal due to its sedative effects
    • Effective as pre-medication for painful orthopaedic procedures due to skeletal muscle relaxant effects
    • Effective as pre-medication for cardioversion due to its amnesia effects
  3. Indications
    • Seizures (Status epilepticus)
    • To induce sedation prior to painful procedures
    • Acute anxiety
  4. Contraindications
    • Known hypersensitivity to the drug
    • Shock
    • Coma
    • Acute alcohol intoxication
  5. Precautions
    • Can cause local irritation at IV site. Use large vein when possible.
    • Seizure activity may reoccur due to its lipid solubility
    • Use caution in patients with myasthenia gravis, impaired renal or hepatic function, obstetrical patients and elderly
  6. Side Effects
    • Hypotension
    • Drowsiness
    • Tachycardia
    • Ataxia
    • Amnesia
    • Slurred speech
    • Edema
    • Headache
    • Dizziness
    • N/V
    • Blurred vision
    • Respiratory depression
  7. Interactions
    • Effects enhanced when used in conjuction with other CNS depressants and alcohol
    • Cimetidine may increase diazepam plasma levels
  8. Dosage and Route
    ADULT

    • IVP
    • 5 mg, may repeat at 2.5 mg every 5 minutes prn, max 10 mg

    PEDI

    • IV/IO
    • 0.1-0.25 mg/kg, max single dose 5 mg

    • Rectal (PR)
    • 0.5 mg/kg, max single dose 10 mg, may repeat once after 5 mins
  9. Pharmacokinetics
    • Onset = 1-5 mins IV
    • Half-life = 20-50 hours
  10. Note
    Flumazenil is an antagonist to diazepam
Author
amerelman
ID
10799
Card Set
MED-Diazepam
Description
MED-Diazepam
Updated