Flumazenil

Question 1

Clinical condition or situation to which this PGD applies

Answer 1

Benzodiazepine toxicity

Question 2

Inclusion criteria

Answer 2

Patients who have received a benzodiazepine acutely for the purpose of sedation, who manifest signs of toxicity

Question 3

Exclusion

Answer 3

Known hypersensitivity

Children under 1

Risk of precipitating seizure. Patients who have been administered benzodiazepines to treat a seizure or other life threatening condition

Patients who take benzodiazepines regularly

Benzodiazepine overdose

Question 4

Cautions

Answer 4

Anxiety and agitation

Seizures, particularly after long term treatment with benzodiazepines

Question 5

Form

Answer 5

Flumazenil injection 0.1mg per ml (5ml ampoule)

Question 6

Dose and frequency

Answer 6

Adults - 0.2mg administered over fifteen seconds. If required a further 0.1mg bolus can be administered at 60 second intervals.

Children over 1 - 10mcg per kg over 15 seconds. If required a further 10mcg / kg every 60 seconds

Question 7

Maximum dose

Answer 7

Adults - 1mg

Children - above 1 year = 4 doses or maximum of 50mcg per kg.