Diazepam

Question 1

What is the trade name for diazepam?

Answer 1

Valium

Question 2

What is the drug classification of diazepam (Valium)?

Answer 2

benzodiazepine

Question 3

How is diazepam (Valium) supplied?

Answer 3

10 mg/2 mL or 2.5 mg/mL ampule

Question 4

Describe the MOA (pharmacodynamics) of diazepam (Valium).

Answer 4

Anxiolytic and sedative-hypnotic: Depresses the CNS producing an anti-anxiety affect by potentiating the effect of GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter).

Anticonvulsant: Suppresses the spread of seizure activity due to enhanced pre-synaptic inhibition.

Skeletal muscle relaxant: Involves inhibiting polysynaptic afferent pathways.

Amnesic: Exact mechanism unknown

Question 5

What are the indications for use of diazepam (Valium)?

Answer 5

• Seizures/ Status epilepticus
• Skeletal muscle relaxation
• Severely anxious or agitated patients (sedation)
• Cocaine overdose

Question 6

What is the ADULT dose of diazepam (Valium) for seizure control, sedation/muscle relaxation?

Answer 6

5 to 10mg IVP q 10-15 min prn (Max 30mg)

IM dosage not recommended due to slow, erratic absorption - non lipid soluble

Question 7

What is the dose of diazepam for use in Cocaine OD (Hypertension, SVT, seizure)?

Answer 7

5mg IVP repeat Prn to 20 mg

Question 8

What is the dose of diazepam (Valium) for control of seizures in pediatrics?

Answer 8

(Infants to 5yr) 0.2 to 0.5 mg IVP, q 2-5min prn (Max 5 mg)

Children >5yr) 1.0mg IVP, q2-5min (Max 10mg

Question 9

What dose of diazepam (Valium) is used for pediatric sedation?

Answer 9

0.1 to 0.2mg/kg IVP prn; titrate to effect

Question 10

List the contraindications to diazepam.

Answer 10

• Hypersensitivity to drug or emulsion (egg phospholipids, soybean oil etc)
• Narrow angle glaucoma

Question 11

What is a precaution for use of diazepam (Valium)?

Answer 11

Use cautiously in elderly or debilitated patients or those patients with impaired renal or hepatic function.