Diazepam (Valium)

  1. Class
    Benzodiazepine, Tranquilizer, Anticonvulsant, Sedative, Hypnotic
  2. Description
    Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that is frequently used as a sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant.
  3. Mechanism of Action
    Benzodiazepines bind to specific sites on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) Type A receptors within the brain. GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. Increased GABA levels cause sedation
  4. Onset of Action
    • Onset: IV: 1-5 min IM: 15-30 min

    • Peak: IV: 10 min IM: 30-45 min

    • Duration: IV: 15-60 min IM: 15-60 min

    • Half-Life: IV: 20-50 hours IM: 20-50 hours

  5. Indications
    Major motor seizures, Status epilepticus, Premedication before cardioversion, skeletal muscle relaxant, and acute anxiety relaxant.
  6. Contraindications
    • Hypersensitivity to the drug,
    • Hypotension
  7. Precautions
    Can cause local venous irritation, has short duration of effect, incompatible with other drugs when mixed.
  8. Side Effects
    Amnesia, apnea, blurred vision, drowsiness, hallucinations, tachycardia, headache, hypotension, nausea, respiratory depression, vomiting
  9. Adult Dose
    • Status epilepticus:5-10 mg (IV)

    • Anxiety:2-5mg (IM) or (IV)

    • Cardioversion:5-15 mg

  10. Pedi-Dose
    Status epilepticus 0.1-0.2mg/kg
  11. Max Dose
    Administer as needed
  12. Routes of Administration
    IV no faster than 1ml/min, IM
  13. How Supplied
    Vials
Author
RLESLIE
ID
91921
Card Set
Diazepam (Valium)
Description
Diazepam (Valium)
Updated