Diazepam
Trade name: Valium, assival.
Class: anti
–convulsant, sedative anxiolytic agent, benzodiazepine Pregnancy: (Category D)
Action:
• The anxiolytic effect is believed to be mediated through the
action of benzodiazepine to increase the inhibitory action of GABA “Gamma amino
butyric acid” inhibit CNS neurotransmitter.
• The
drug is metabolized in the liver & excreted through urine.
Uses:
• Symptomatic relief of anxiety & tension.
• Alcohol withdrawal.
• Muscle relaxant.
• Anticonvulsive.
• Preoperatively.
• Before gastrescopy or esophagoscopy.
• Treatment of status epilepticus.
• Relief of facial muscle spasm.
Dose
By intravenous injection, 10–20 mg at a rate of 0.5
mL (2.5 mg) per 30 seconds, repeated if necessary after 30–60 minutes; may be
followed by intravenous infusion to max.
3 mg/kg over 24 hours;
Child 0.2-0.3
mg/kg or 1 mg per year of age
by
rectum as rectal solution, Adult and Child over
10 kg 0.5 mg/kg; Elderly 0.25mg/kg Contraindications:
• Hypersensitivity.
• Acute narrow angle glaucoma.
• Pregnancy.
• Shock, coma.
• Alcoholic intoxication (to avoid respiratory of depression).
Side effects:
• Drowsiness, fatigue,
• ataxia,
• hypotension,
• visual disturbances, headache,
Phlebitis at injection site.
Nursing
considerations:
• Stress that drug may reduce pt’s ability to handle dangerous
equipment.
• Avoid alcohol ingestion.
• Don’t stop taking the medication suddenly, withdraw drug
gradually.
• Monitor B.P. before & after administration.
