Diazepam

Question 1

Diazepam Lipid Solubility

Answer 1

Rapid uptake by brain, very lipid soluble, rapid redistribution

Question 2

Diazepam Volume of Distribution

Answer 2

1-1.5 L/kg

Question 3

Diazepam Clearance rate

Answer 3

0.2-0.5 mL/kg/min

Question 4

Diazepam Elimination Half Life

Answer 4

Healthy: 21-37 hours, much longer in elderly (about as long as they are old)

Question 5

Diazepam Metabolism

Answer 5

Primarily in liver via oxidative N-demethylation, 3 active metabolites make it last as long as it does - desmethyldiazepam (metabolized more slowly than diazepam), oxazepam, temazepam

Question 6

Diazepam Clearance

Answer 6

Hepatic, when bodily proportion of fatty tissue increases (such as when we age), Vd is increased and metabolism takes longer)

Question 7

Other drugs that may delay hepatic clearance of Diazepam

Answer 7

Cimetidine

Question 8

Diazepam Anesthetic effects

Answer 8

Reduces dose of induction agent, reduces MAC of inhalation agent (0.2 mg/kg IV)**increasing dose further does not further reduce MAC