Diazepam

Question 1

What class of drug is it?

Answer 1

Benzodiazepines

Question 2

Uses (7)

Answer 2

First line for seizures and status
Epilepitcus

First line for alcohol withdrawal syndrome/reactions

Also used as it sedative when a general anaesthetic is not desirable

Used for anxiety insomnia muscle spasms and tetanus

Question 3

What is the target of benzodiazepines

Answer 3

Gamma aminobutynic acid type a receptor

Question 4

Briefly how does it work

Answer 4

The receptor mention before is a Clwyd channel which opens in response to binding by gaba1 and inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain

This allows chloride to flow into the cell making it more resistant to depolarisation

Benzodiazepines facilitate this binding
To have a depressant effects on the transmission

Question 5

Side-effects

Answer 5

Nystagmus
Resp depression
Dependency, confusion drowsiness muscle weakness

Question 6

Consideration when determining treatment plan

Answer 6

Withdrawl gradually to prevent dependency and withdrawal reaction

Question 7

Who should be avoided in

Answer 7

Elderly, respiratory depression muscular impairment (myanthesia gravis)
history of alcohol and drug abuse/dependency
Hepatic impairment

Question 8

Why should it be used in caution in hepatic impairment what could be used and why

Answer 8

Metabolised by the liver therefore can cause and come up with a so should use lorazepam

Question 9

Drug interactions

Answer 9

With sedatives including alcohol and opioids

Depends on cytochrome p 45 enzymes I do not use in concurrence with P450 inhibitors

Question 10

Name some P450 inhibitors

Answer 10

PPI
Macrolides
FluconaZole
Amidorone