| Diazepam |
Mechanism of Action
Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic and an
anticonvulsant. Primarily, it is used to seizure activity. It acts on the limbic,
thalamic, and hypothalamic regions of the CNS to potentiate the effects of
inhibitory neurotransmitters, raising the seizure threshold in the motor
cortex. A secondary use is for the amnesic and sedatory effects during
cardioversion.
Indications
Any prolonged siezure activity.
Status epilepticus
Packaging
10 mg in 2 ml (pre-pack)
Drug box inventory = 1
Onset & Duration
Onset: IV: 1-2 min. IM: 5-10 min.
Duration: 15-60 min.
Doses and Administration
In the seizure: 5 mg (1 ml) slow IV bolus.
If no positive effects give 5 mg (1 ml) slow IV bolus.
Rectally, give 10 mg
For chemical restraint:5 mg slow IVP or IM
Precautions
May cause some venous irritation
Have airway equipment ready, may cause some respiratory depression.
Other adverse effects include:
Hypotension
Respiratory depression
Psychomotor impairment
Confusion
Nausea
Pediatrics
For siezures, 0.1 mg/kg slow IVP (max. 5 mg)
If no IV, 0.5 mg/kg rectally (max. 10 mg)
Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic and an
anticonvulsant. Primarily, it is used to seizure activity. It acts on the limbic,
thalamic, and hypothalamic regions of the CNS to potentiate the effects of
inhibitory neurotransmitters, raising the seizure threshold in the motor
cortex. A secondary use is for the amnesic and sedatory effects during
cardioversion.
Indications
Any prolonged siezure activity.
Status epilepticus
Packaging
10 mg in 2 ml (pre-pack)
Drug box inventory = 1
Onset & Duration
Onset: IV: 1-2 min. IM: 5-10 min.
Duration: 15-60 min.
Doses and Administration
In the seizure: 5 mg (1 ml) slow IV bolus.
If no positive effects give 5 mg (1 ml) slow IV bolus.
Rectally, give 10 mg
For chemical restraint:5 mg slow IVP or IM
Precautions
May cause some venous irritation
Have airway equipment ready, may cause some respiratory depression.
Other adverse effects include:
Hypotension
Respiratory depression
Psychomotor impairment
Confusion
Nausea
Pediatrics
For siezures, 0.1 mg/kg slow IVP (max. 5 mg)
If no IV, 0.5 mg/kg rectally (max. 10 mg)
