Benzodiazepines

Question 1

What are six drugs in the benzodiazepine group?

Answer 1

diazepam (Valium), midazolam (Versed), zolazepam (Telezol) lorazepam (Ativam), clonazepam (Clonapin), alprazolam (Xanex)

Question 2

What are some properties of benzodiazepines?

Answer 2

Diazepam is not water soluble, and doesn’t mix well with other drugs (except Ketamine) in the same syringe

Midazolam and Zolazepam are water soluble

Question 3

What routes of administration are used for benzodiazepines?

Answer 3

oral - for behavior therapy (thunder fright, elimination issues in cats), per rectum - for anticonvulsant (diazepam), and IV

Question 4

What is a potential side effect of rapid IV administration of benzodiazepines?

Answer 4

Too rapid with Diazepam – “propylene glycol” effect - hypotension/bradycardia/apnea

Question 5

What is the duration of benzodiazepines given via IV?

Answer 5

duration normally 1-4 hours

Question 6

What are the effects of benzodiazepines?

Answer 6

Muscle relaxation
Anticonvulsant
Increases seizure threshold
Behavior modification
Minimal cardiopulmonary effects
Appetite stimulant – cats, Ru, possibly pups

Question 7

What drug is a benzodiazepine antagonist?

Answer 7

Flumazenil 0.005 – 0.1 mg/lb IV

Rarely needed, as these drugs are considered safe even for geriatrics, when administered appropriately