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11 Cards in this Set

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What is the best-known trade name for diazepam?
Valium
There are hundreds of trade names for diazepam around the world. In the US, Valium, Diastat and Valrelease are the most common.
What is the functional class of diazepam?
Benzodiazepine
Other prehospital benzodiazepines are lorazepam (Ativan) and midazolam (Versed).
What is the mechanism of action of diazepam?
By intensifying the activity of GABA, it suppresses the spread of seizure activity through the motor cortex of the brain.

It is effective in the management of stress, anxiety, and alcohol withdrawal due to its sedative properties.

Additionally, it is effective as a premedication for minor orthopedic procedures due to its skeletal muscle relaxant properties, and as a premedication for cardioversion because it produces amnesia.
γ-aminobutyric acid is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. As diazepam (and other benzodiazepines) requires GABA to act, it is safer than the barbiturates which were once used.
What are the listed indications for diazepam?
- Seizures (status epilepticus)
- To induce sedation prior to painful procedures
- Acute anxiety
California offers diazepam to condemned inmates as a pre-execution sedative...
What are the listed contraindications for diazepam?
- Known hypersensitivity
- Shock
- Coma
- Acute alcohol intoxication
Contraindications not in the NEEMSI documentation include pregnancy, breastfeeding, sleep apnea and porphyria.
What are the listed precautions for diazepam?
- Can cause local irritation, therefore, use large vein when possible
- Seizure activity may reoccur due to its lipid solubility
- Use with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis, impaired renal or hepatic function, obstetrical patients, and the elderly.
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disorder characterized by muscle weakness caused by circulating antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors at the postsynaptic neuromuscular junction.
What are the listed side effects of diazepam?
- Hypotension
- Drowsiness
- Tachycardia
- Ataxia
- Amnesia
- Slurred speech
- Edema
- Headache
- Dizziness
- N/V
- Blurred vision
- Respiratory depression
Ataxia (for the Greek for "lack of order") is a loss of muscle coordination that can affect balance, movement and speech.
What are the listed interactions of diazepam?
- Effects are enhanced when used in conjunction with other CNS depressants and alcohol
- Cimetidine (Tagamet) may increase diazepam plasma levels
Cimetidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist that inhibits the production of stomach acid and is used in the treatment of heartburn and peptic ulcers.
What is the dosage and route of diazepam?
Adult:
- 5mg IVP, may repeat at 2.5mg q 5 minutes prn, max 10mg

Pedi:
- 0.1 - 0.25mg/kg IV/IO, maximum single dose 5mg
- 0.5mg/kg PR, maximum single dose 10mg
- may repeat either pedi dose once after 5 minutes
Diazepam (unlike lorazepam and midazolam) may not be administered IM.
What are the pharmacokinetics of diazepam?
Onset: 1 - 5 minutes IV
Half-life: 20 - 50 hours
Diazepam has the longest half-life of the prehospital benzodiazepines.
What medication is an antagonist to diazepam?
Flumazenil
Flumazenil has trade names including Anexate, Lanexat, Mazicon & Romazicon.