Benzodiaepines Flashcards
Diazepam is often combined with?
Often combined w ketamine
Diazepam
Premed, sedative
Lipid soluble (IV) - inject slowly (thrombophlebitis)
Rapid onset: 30-90 sec
Duration: 30 mins - 2 hrs
Effects of diazepam
CNS depression, anxiolytic
Sedation
Muscle relaxant/ anticonvulsant (treat seizures)
Appetite stimulant (cats!)
Potentiate (make better) the effects of other drugs (anesthetic sparing)
Reduce anxiety
Mild ataxia in some animals
Are benzodiazepines controlled?
Yes
What receptors do benzodiazepines act on?
Target GABA receptors
Are benzodiazepines reliable sedatives?
No; they cause unreliable sedative effects (excitement)
Benzodiazepines:
Onset & duration
Onset: < 15 mins
Duration: 1-4 hrs
Are benzodiazepines analgesics?
No analgesia - not for pain!
Are benzodiazepines controlled drugs?
Yes
Is diazepam water soluble?
No, diazepam is lipid soluble.
Forms a precipitate when mixed w water soluble drugs
(exception ketamine)
Are benzodiazepines reversible? If so with what?
Flumazenil
What part of the pain pathways do benzodiazepines act on?
Perception (in the brain)
Benefits of benzodiazepines
Have little effect on the cardiopulmonary system
Reversible with Flumazenil
Anti- convulsant (treats seizures)
Sedation (although unreliable)
Muscle relaxant
Weak antiemetic
Is midazolam water soluble
Yes, so can be used in combo w other agents for muscle relaxation and anticonvulsant properties (helps w seizures)
IM or IV
Does midazolam offer analgesic effects?
No
What is midazolam used for
Pre anesthesic sedation
Anticonvulsant
Midazolam: onset & duration
Onset: 1 min IV
Duration: 1 hr
Effects of midazolam
Sedation
Muscle relaxation
Min cardio effects
Anticonvulsant
Anti-anxiety & calming effect
Can cause paradoxical excitement in some animals
May cause young animals to become difficult to handle
Storage of midazolam
Keep in dark glass containers
How benzodiazepines work
Act by blocking dopamine receptors (D2) in the CNS; which contributes to their sedative & antiemetic effects
They also block alpha-adrenergic receptors leading to vasodilation and potential hypotension
Benzodiazepines and dogs
Sedation & antimesis
Benzodiazepines and cats
Antiemetic properties
Horses and benzodiazepines
Use w caution:
Risk of hypotension and penile prolapse (stallions)
General side effects of benzodiazepines
Hypotension
Ataxia
Possible excitement
What are examples of benzodiazepines
Midazolam and diazepam
