Diazepama (Valium)

Question 1

Class.

Answer 1

Anticonvulsant.
Sedative.
Benzodiazepine (controlled substance schedule IV)

Question 2

Actions.

Answer 2

Inhibits the spread of electrical activity from the irritable focus in the irritable neurons in the brain.
Calms CNS to have anti-anxiety/sedative effect.

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

Status epilepticus.
Acute anxiety states.
Sedation before elective cardioversion.
Acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms: delirium, irritability tremors, may be ordered to blunt the major hypersympathetic response from cocaine: persistent supra ventricular tachycardia.

Question 4

Dosage/route

Answer 4

See Hawaii E.S.

Pre-cardioversion or transcutaneous pacing: slow IV bolus titrated to induction of sedation.

Question 5

Standard prep

Answer 5

10 mg/2 cc preloaded syringe.

Question 6

Peds dose

Answer 6

See Hawaii S.O.

If no IV, give double the dose rectally w/TB syringe without a needle.

Question 7

Side Effects

Answer 7

Respiratory depression
Decreased LOC
Hypotension (usually transient)
Pain at IV site - flush line with generous amount of NS.

Question 8

Contraindications

Answer 8

Hypovolemia/hypotension/shock.
Pregnancy.
Isolated head or multisystems trauma.
Pain, unknown etiology.
Pt's w/EtOH or other CNS depressants.

Question 9

Precautions

Answer 9

Have resuscitation equipment readily available with supplemental oxygen.
Expect short onset & duration of action, request prn order during commo with MD.