Diazepam

Question 1

Diazepam- Name

Answer 1

Valium

Question 2

Diazepam- Class

Answer 2

Anticonvulsant,

Benzodiazepine,

sedative-hypnotic;

anti-anxiety (anxiolytic)

Question 3

Diazepam- MoA

Answer 3

Suppresses the spread of seizure activity and raises the seizure threshold in the motor cortex

Sedative effects depress the CNS and reduce anxiety

Skeletal muscle relaxant Induces amnesia

Question 4

Diazepam- Indications

Answer 4

Generalized seizure activity and status epilepticus

Sedation prior to cardioversion or pacing of a conscious patient

Acute anxiety Muscle relaxer Chemical restraint

Question 5

Diazepam- Contra

Answer 5

Head injury/CNS Depression

Respiratory depression

Hypotension / depressed vital signs

Infants < 30 days old

Question 6

Diazepam- S/E

Answer 6

Cardiovascular: bradycardia, hypotension, rebound tachycardia

Neurological: dizziness, drowsiness, headache

Respiratory: respiratory depression/arrest

Gastrointestinal: nausea/vomiting

Question 7

Diazepam- Routes

Answer 7

IV, IO, IM, PR, PO

Question 8

Diazepam- A. Dose

Answer 8

Seizures: 5-10 mg IV/IM.

May repeat every 5-15 minutes prn to a max dose of 20 mg

Anxiety: 5-10 mg IV/IM

Cardioversion: 5-10 mg IV titrated to effect

Question 9

Diazepam- P. Dose

Answer 9

0.1 mg/kg IV/PR.

May repeat every 5-15 minutes prn to a max dose of 20 mg

Question 10

Diazepam- EXTRAS

Answer 10

Precautions: Use with caution in the elderly and very ill patients due to paradoxical effects

Interactions: Use with caution when patient is taking antihistamines, antidepressants, alcohol, narcotics, barbiturates, sedatives and hypnotics as these drug classifications may potentiate the effects

Onset in 5 minutes with an unknown duration