Reversal Agents - Flumazenil Flashcards
What is the typical initial IV dose of Flumazenil for benzodiazepine reversal in adults?
0.2 mg every 60 sec. up to 1 mg
What is the usual onset of action of Flumazenil?
1–2 minutes
How long does the effect of a single dose of Flumazenil typically last?
30–60 minutes
Flumazenil acts by:
Competitively inhibiting benzodiazepines at GABA-A receptors
Which of the following is a potential risk when administering Flumazenil to chronic benzodiazepine users?
Seizures
Which of the following best describes a common clinical use of Flumazenil?
Reversal of benzodiazepine sedation or overdose
Which of the following patients would be a poor candidate for Flumazenil administration?
A patient with a history of long-term diazepam use
Is Flumazenil a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist?
Yes
Does Flumazenil have a longer duration of action than most benzodiazepines?
Yes
Can Flumazenil precipitate seizures in patients with benzodiazepine dependence?
Yes
Should Flumazenil be given intramuscularly for fastest onset?
No (IV is preferred)
Does Flumazenil reverse both the sedative and anxiolytic effects of benzodiazepines?
Yes
Is Flumazenil an appropriate antidote for barbiturate overdose?
No
Can repeat doses of Flumazenil be required due to its short duration?
Yes
What is the initial IV dose of Flumazenil given for benzodiazepine reversal?
0.2 mg every 60 sec. up to 1 mg
How soon does Flumazenil take effect after IV administration?
Typically within 1–2 minutes
What is the average duration of action for Flumazenil?
30–60 minutes
What is Flumazenil’s mechanism of action?
It competitively inhibits benzodiazepines at the GABA-A receptor binding site
Name two clinical situations where Flumazenil might be used.
- Reversal of procedural sedation with benzodiazepines
- Treatment of benzodiazepine overdose
Why should Flumazenil be used cautiously in patients with a history of chronic benzodiazepine use?
It can trigger withdrawal and seizures
Can Flumazenil be used to reverse sedation in pediatric patients?
Yes, but with caution and proper dosing
What serious adverse effect is associated with rapid benzodiazepine reversal using Flumazenil?
Seizures
