Diazepam

WHAT IS IT?

Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine medication. It is a anxiolytic, sedative-hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant.

WHEN DO WE USE IT?

Alcohol withdrawal/delirium tremensDiazepam is one of the preferred medications used to treat alcohol withdrawals.

Status epilepticus: seizures that have gone on for a longer time frame can be treated with both Lorazepam and Diazepam.

Tetanusmuscle spasms in this condition can be treated with this medication.

Eclampsiaseizures in this context that recur after MgSO4 administration can be treated with IV diazepam.

WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?

With other sedatives: the major side effect of this mediation is sedation, so it should be used cautiously with other sedatives.

HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?

Administered orally, IM, IV injection, or rectally

Source
Source
PHARMICOKINETICS?

Onset: drug action occurs within 1-5 minutes of IV administration

Duration of action: 15-60 minutes

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?

Sedation: this is one of the major side effects of this drug.

ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP IN MIND?

“-zepam” ending is used for benzodiazepines

FURTHER READING

DynaMed

UpToDate

 

Page Updated: 08.15.2016