Sedative Agents Flashcards
What is the typical IV sedation dose of midazolam in adults?
0.01–0.1 mg/kg; Typically dose 1-2mg
What is the approximate onset of action for IV midazolam?
2–5 minutes
How long does a typical dose of IV midazolam last?
30–60 minutes (less than 2 hours)
What is the primary mechanism of action of midazolam?
GABA-A receptor modulation
Which of the following is NOT a primary clinical use of midazolam?
Analgesia
Which of the following is a potential side effect of midazolam?
Respiratory depression
In what situation is midazolam particularly useful?
Sedation for MRI in a claustrophobic pediatric patient
What is the reversal agent for benzodiazepines like midazolam?
Flumazenil
Midazolam has both sedative and analgesic properties.
False
Midazolam is water-soluble, making it different from other benzodiazepines.
True
Midazolam can cause anterograde amnesia.
True
Midazolam has a faster onset and shorter duration than diazepam.
True
Midazolam is commonly used for induction of anesthesia in unstable trauma patients.
False
The respiratory depressive effects of midazolam are dose-dependent.
True
Midazolam can be given IV, IM, PO, and intranasally.
True
What is the usual PO dose range of midazolam for pre-op in pediatrics?
PO = 0.5 mg/kg
What is the primary neurotransmitter system affected by midazolam?
GABAergic system (GABA-A receptors)
Name two key clinical effects of midazolam.
Sedation, anxiolysis, amnesia (any two)
What is a major concern when using midazolam in elderly or debilitated patients?
Increased sensitivity leading to prolonged sedation and respiratory depression
How can the sedative effects of midazolam be reversed?
With flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist
Why is midazolam not a good choice for pain control during procedures?
Because it does not provide analgesia
Name one situation where midazolam is preferred over other agents.
Pediatric sedation, preoperative anxiolysis, seizure control, or short procedures with minimal stimulation
What is the typical IV dose of diazepam for anxiety or sedation in adults?
0.05-0.2 mg/kg
What is the onset time of action of diazepam when administered intravenously?
1–3 minutes
What is the approximate duration of diazepam’s clinical effects after IV administration?
1–3 hours
What is the primary mechanism of action of diazepam?
Potentiation of GABA-A receptors
Which of the following is NOT a primary clinical use of diazepam?
Chronic pain relief
Diazepam is preferred in the treatment of:
Acute alcohol withdrawal
Which of the following best describes a disadvantage of diazepam compared to midazolam?
Prolonged half-life and active metabolites
Diazepam has both anxiolytic and muscle relaxant properties.
True
Diazepam is commonly used for long-term management of epilepsy.
False (Used more for acute seizure control)
Diazepam has a shorter half-life than midazolam.
False
Diazepam is highly lipid-soluble, which contributes to its rapid CNS penetration.
True
Respiratory depression is not a concern when using diazepam.
False
Diazepam has active metabolites that contribute to its prolonged effects.
True
The effects of diazepam can be reversed with flumazenil.
True
What is the usual IV dose range of diazepam for status epilepticus?
5–10 mg IV, repeated every 10–15 minutes if needed (max 30 mg); Muscle Spasm 5-10 mg IV
What is the primary receptor system affected by diazepam?
GABA-A receptor system (enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission)
List two major clinical uses for diazepam.
Seizure control, anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms
What are common side effects of diazepam?
Drowsiness, respiratory depression, confusion, hypotension, ataxia
Why is diazepam not preferred for continuous IV sedation in critical care?
Because of its long half-life and accumulation due to active metabolites
In what clinical scenario is diazepam considered a first-line option?
Status epilepticus or acute alcohol withdrawal seizures
What drug can be administered to reverse the sedative effects of diazepam?
Flumazenil
What makes diazepam’s duration of action longer than that of midazolam?
Its long elimination half-life and the presence of active metabolites
What is the typical IV dose of lorazepam for status epilepticus in adults?
2–4 mg IV; Typical (non-status epilepticus) 0.05 mg/kg
What is the usual onset of action of lorazepam when given intravenously?
1–3 minutes
How long do the clinical effects of lorazepam last after IV administration?
6–8 hours
What is lorazepam’s primary mechanism of action?
GABA-A receptor potentiation
Which of the following is a clinical use of lorazepam?
Status epilepticus treatment
Which property makes lorazepam superior to diazepam in treating seizures?
Longer duration in the CNS
Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of lorazepam?
Hypertension
Lorazepam is more water-soluble than diazepam.
False
Lorazepam is effective in the treatment of status epilepticus.
True
Lorazepam has no respiratory depressant effects.
False
Lorazepam causes anterograde amnesia.
True
Lorazepam is suitable for preoperative sedation and anxiety reduction.
True
The effects of lorazepam can be reversed with naloxone.
False (Reversed with flumazenil)
Lorazepam has a relatively short duration of action compared to midazolam.
False
What is the usual IV dose range of lorazepam for treating acute seizures?
Typically 4 mg IV given slowly at 2 mg/min
What receptor does lorazepam act on to exert its sedative and anxiolytic effects?
GABA-A receptor
List two major clinical uses of lorazepam.
Seizure control, preoperative sedation, anxiety, alcohol withdrawal
Why is lorazepam preferred over diazepam in status epilepticus?
Longer CNS duration due to less lipid solubility and slower redistribution
What are the common side effects of lorazepam?
Drowsiness, confusion, respiratory depression, hypotension
What is the reversal agent for lorazepam?
Flumazenil
In what scenario might lorazepam be avoided or used cautiously?
In patients with respiratory compromise or severe liver dysfunction
How does lorazepam differ from midazolam in terms of duration of action?
Lorazepam has a longer duration of clinical effects than midazolam
What is the recommended dose of dexmedetomidine (Precedex)?
0.2-1 mcg/kg
What is the typical maintenance infusion rate of Precedex?
0.2–1.4 mcg/kg/hr
What is the primary mechanism of action of dexmedetomidine?
Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonism
Which of the following is a common effect of Precedex?
Analgesia with minimal respiratory depression
What is the typical onset time of Precedex after IV administration?
2–5 minutes
Which of the following is a notable side effect of dexmedetomidine?
Bradycardia and hypotension
Precedex is most appropriately used for which of the following clinical scenarios?
Sedation of intubated ICU patients
Dexmedetomidine causes significant respiratory depression similar to propofol.
False
Precedex provides both sedative and analgesic effects.
True
Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-1 receptor agonist.
False
Precedex can be used for awake fiberoptic intubation.
True
Bradycardia is a common side effect of Precedex.
True
Dexmedetomidine is often preferred for short-term post-op pain management only.
False (It’s more often used for sedation in ICU or procedural settings)
Dexmedetomidine has amnestic effects equivalent to midazolam.
False
What is the typical onset of action for dexmedetomidine?
2–5 minutes after IV administration
What is the maintenance dose range for Precedex infusions?
0.2–1.4 mcg/kg/hr
What receptor does Precedex primarily act upon?
Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors
Name two common side effects of dexmedetomidine.
Bradycardia, hypotension
Why is Precedex preferred over other sedatives in some ICU settings?
It provides sedation without significant respiratory depression
Can Precedex be used in non-intubated patients? If so, in what setting?
Yes, for procedural sedation or monitored anesthesia care (MAC), especially when minimal respiratory depression is desired
How is Precedex beneficial during awake intubations?
It provides sedation and anxiolysis while maintaining airway reflexes and spontaneous breathing
Does Precedex provide muscle relaxation or anticonvulsant properties?
No, it does not