ANTI-ANXIETY AGENTS

Question 1

Give the pharmacology of a named anti anxiety agent

Answer 1

Trade name: Valium
Class: Anti anxiety agent,benzodiazepine
Moa: The anxiolytic effect is believed to mediate through the action of benzodiazepine to increase the inhibitory action of GABA
It is metabolized in the liver and excreted through the urine
Therapeutic uses: Symptomatic relied of anxiety and tension,alcohol withdrawal.muscle relaxant,treatment of convulsion,treatment of status epilepticus,relief facial muscle spasm.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity.acute narrow angle glaucoma,pregnancy and alcohol intoxication.
Side effects: Drowsiness,visual disturbance,headache,fatigue and ataxia.
Dosages: Available in ampoules 2ml containing 10mg
Available in tablets 2mg,5mg,10mg
Administered IV or IM depending on the uses
Tablets between 2-10mg two to four times daily
Nursing considerations
- Avoid alcohol ingestion
- Don’t stop the medication suddenly,withdraw the drug gradually
- Monitor BP before and after administration