Sketchy Pharm: Benzodiazepines and Flumazenil Flashcards
What is a short-acting benzodiazepine?
Oxazepam (the running bull, charging fast)
The -olam suffix is typical of _________ benzodiazepines.
short-acting
________ metabolism accounts for degradation of all benzodiazepines.
Hepatic (recall the ox with the liver spot)
The benzodiazepines activate the ___________ receptor.
GABA A (think of the “Cab-A” cab)
What else binds to the GABA (A) receptor?
Alcohol (hence, benzodiazepines are given in alcohol withdrawal)
Barbiturates
Phenytoin
Neurosteroids
Benzodiazepines used alone can provide ___________ sedation.
conscious (such as for a colonoscopy –think of the patient with the “lite” drink representing lite anesthesia)
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat ___________, but they’re not first line due to potential for physical dependence.
insomnia/parasomnias
What is a major risk of benzodiazepine use?
Tolerance! Using anything that stimulates GABA channels will cause them to down-regulate. Thus, you will need more GABA-channel inducer to get the same effect.
Overuse of sedative hypnotics is a major cause of ____________ (gerontologic concern).
confusion in the elderly
What is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose?
Flumazenil (GABA A antagonist) –think of the “fluffy muzzled dog” blocking the delivery boy trying to get to the cab; its use remains controversial, though, because it has been known to induce seizures in those addicted to benzodiazepines.