Diazepam (Valium)

Question 1

Class / Action

Answer 1

Anticonvulsant, anti-anxiety, sedative / Depresses CNS

Question 2

Onset / Duration

Answer 2

ONSET:
1. IV/IO: 1-5min, peak 5-10min
2. IM: 15-30min, peak 30-60min (Absorption is slow, erratic, and incomplete)
3. PR: 1-5min, peak 10-45min
DURATION:
15-60min

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

1. Seizures s/t head trauma or alcohol withdrawal
2. Status epilepticus
3. For pacing, cardioversion, and post-RSI for relief of anxiety, tension, and diminish recall of procedures
4. Severe muscle spasm
5. Severe anxiety

Question 4

Contraindications

Answer 4

Known Hypersensitivity

Question 5

Precautions

Answer 5

1. Elderly patients
2. Pts with inadequate pulmonary function
3. Pts with liver and/or kidney disease
4. Pts with a Hx of drug addiction
5. Pts that have used other CNS depressants

Question 6

Dosages / Administration

Answer 6

1. ADULT: 2-10mg IM/IV/IO, refer to dosage regimen referenced in appropriate protocol section. General Dose: 0.2mg/kg/dose Not to Exceed 10mg IVP
2. PED: 0.2mg/kg IV/IO in increments <2mg to a Maximum Dose of 10mg. Wait 1-2min between doses to observe effect. PR 0.5mg/kg Not to Exceed 20mg. Wait At Least 5min before giving a second dose. Contact Mary Bridge for more repeated doses. Administer PR (Rectal) Dose with 3mL syringe (w/o needle) inserted as far as possible.

Question 7

Adverse Reactions

Answer 7

1. CNS depression, Ataxia, Drowsiness, Fatigue, Dizziness, Urticaria, Skin Rash, Transient Hypotension, Respiratory Depression
2. Venous thrombosis and phlebitis at the injection site

Question 8

Reference in Protocol

Answer 8

1. Traumatic Emergencies
2. Cardiac Emergencies (See AHA Handbook)
3. Medical Emergencies (ALOC - if actively seizing)
4. Environmental Emergencies (Envenomations)
5. Behavioral Emergencies (Violent Patients)
6. RSI (Appendix F)