Benzodiazepine Drugs Flashcards
Name the 3 benzodiazepine drugs.
Diazepam
Midazolam
Zolazepam
What is the mechanism of action for diazepam/midazolam/zolazepam?
Exact method of action is unknown, but believed to depress the CNS by encouraging activity of the endogenous (inhibitory neurotransmitter) GABA.
What family of drugs are diazepam/midazolam/zolazepam part of?
Benzodiazepines
What type of drug are the benzodiazepines? (Diazepam, midazolam, zolazepam)
Tranquilizers
Are diazepam/midazolam/zolazepam controlled or uncontrolled substances?
Controlled
What effects do diazepam/midazolam/zolazepam have on the CNS?
+ effects:
+potentiate general anesthetics
+anticonvulsant
+calming and anti anxiety effect (in old and ill animals only)
- effects:
- disorientation and excitement (young, healthy dogs)
- dysphoria and aggression (cats)
- muscle fasciculations (horses) (muscle twitching)
- ataxia (impaired coordination) and recumbency (all large animals)
What effect do diazepam/midazolam/zolazepam have on the cardiovascular system?
+/- effects:
Minimal effects with high margin of safety
What effect do diazepam/midazolam/zolazepam have on the respiratory system?
+/- effects:
Minimal effect with high margin of safety.
What effect do diazepam/midazolam/zolazepam have on the skeletal muscles?
+ effects:
+ muscle relaxation
- effects:
N/A
What effects do diazepam/midazolam/zolazepam have on the GI system?
+ effects:
+ appetite stimulant (in cats and ruminants)
- effects:
- oral diazepam can cause liver failure in cats
Is diazepam water-soluble? Can it be mixed with water-soluble drugs?
No.
Cannot be mixed with water-soluble drugs, except that it can be mixed with ketamine as long as no precipitate forms.
How is diazepam administered?
Administered by IV slowly
What is diazepam used for in anesthesia?
To induce general anesthesia (when used with ketamine) in small animals and horses.
Can diazepam be stored in plastic?
No. (It is very soluble in plastic and will be absorbed by the container.)
Is midazolam water-soluble?
Yes
