Drug Cards

Diazepam

Valium
Class:
Benzodiazepine, Anticonvulsant, Sedative-hypnotic
Mechanism of Action:
  • Potentiates effects of inhibitory neurotransmtters.
  • Raises seizure threshold.
  • Induces amnesia and sedation.
Indications:
  • Status Seizure.
  • Acute anxiety states.
  • Analgesia for medical procedures (fracture reduction, cardioversion).
  • Delirium treatments.
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity, Glaucoma, Coma, Shock, Substance abuse, Head injury.
Adverse reactions:
Respiratory depression, hypotension, drowsiness, ataxia, reflex tachycardia, nausea, confusion.
Adult Dosage and Administration
  • Seizure activity: 5-10 mg IV q 10-15 minutes prn (5 mg over 5 min.) (maximum dose = 30 mgs)
  • Rectal diazepam: 0.5 mg/kg via 2" rectal catheter and flush with 2-3 ml air after administration.
  • Sedation for cardioversion: 5-15 mg IV over 5-10 minutes prior to cardioversion.
Reduce dose 50% in elderly patients.
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Pediatric Dosage and Administration:
  • Seizure activity: 0.2 mg/kg/dose IV every 15-30 minutes (no faster than 3 mg over 5 minutes) (max. = 10 mg).
Duration of Action
  • Onset: 1-5 minutes.
  • Peak effect: minutes. ???
  • Duration: 20-50 minutes.
Special Considerations:
  • Pregnancy safety: Category D.
  • Short duration of anticonvulsant effect.
  • Reduce dose 50% in elderly patients.