Diazepam Drug Card for Paramedics

Questions and Answers

What is the trade name for Diazepam?

Xanax

Klonopin

Valium (correct)

Ativan

What class is Diazepam?

Long-acting, Benzodiazepine; Sedative-Hypnotic; Anticonvulsant; Schedule IV drug.

What is Diazepam's mechanism of action (MOA)?

Diazepam potentiates the effects of inhibitory neurotransmitters, raises the seizure threshold, and also induces amnesia and sedation.

What are the indications for Diazepam?

Acute anxiety states and agitation, acute alcohol withdrawal, muscle relaxant, seizure activity, and sedation for medical procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What are the contraindications for Diazepam?

Hypersensitivity, Narrow-Angle Glaucoma, Myasthenia Gravis, Respiratory Insufficiency, Coma, and Head Injury. Signup and view all the answers

What are the adverse reactions/side effects of Diazepam?

Dizziness, Drowsiness, Confusion, Headache, Respiratory Depression, Hypotension, Reflex Tachycardia, Nausea, Vomiting, Muscle Weakness, Tissue Necrosis, Ataxia, Thrombosis, and Phlebitis. Signup and view all the answers

What are the drug interactions for Diazepam?

Diazepam is incompatible with most drugs and fluids. Signup and view all the answers

How is Diazepam supplied?

It is supplied in 5 mg/mL prefilled syringes, ampules, vials, and Tubex syringes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Diazepam's dosage and administration for adults with seizure activity?

5-10 mg IV every 10-15 min, maximum dose of 30 mg. Signup and view all the answers

What is Diazepam's dosage and administration for adults in premedication for cardioversion?

5-15 mg IV over 5-10 min prior to cardioversion. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following aspects of Diazepam's duration of action:

Onset = 1-5 min Peak Effects = 15 min Duration = 20-50 min Signup and view all the answers

What are the special considerations for Diazepam?

Pregnancy safety: Category D. Diazepam has a short duration for anticonvulsant effect. Reduce dose by 50% in elderly patients. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Diazepam Overview

Trade Name: Valium
Classification: Long-acting Benzodiazepine; Sedative-Hypnotic; Anticonvulsant; Schedule IV drug.

Mechanism of Action (MOA)

Potentiates effects of inhibitory neurotransmitters.
Raises seizure threshold.
Induces amnesia and sedation.

Indications

Acute anxiety states and agitation.
Acute alcohol withdrawal management.
Muscle relaxant.
Treatment of seizure activity.
Sedation for medical procedures: intubation, cardioversion, and for ventilated patients.
Helpful in acute symptomatic cocaine overdose.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Diazepam.
Narrow-Angle Glaucoma.
Myasthenia Gravis.
Respiratory Insufficiency.
Coma or significant head injuries.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Common effects: Dizziness, Drowsiness, and Confusion.
Other effects: Headache, Respiratory Depression, Hypotension, Reflex Tachycardia, Nausea, Vomiting, Muscle Weakness.
Rare but serious: Tissue Necrosis, Ataxia, Thrombosis, and Phlebitis.

Drug Interactions

Diazepam is incompatible with most drugs and fluids.

Dosage and Administration

For Adult Seizure Activity: 5-10 mg IV every 10-15 minutes (maximum of 30 mg), administer 5 mg over 5 minutes.
For Premedication for Cardioversion: 5-15 mg IV over 5-10 minutes prior to procedure.

Duration of Action

Onset: 1-5 minutes after administration.
Peak Effects: Reached within 15 minutes.
Duration of Action: 20-50 minutes.

Special Considerations

Pregnancy Category: D (evidence of risk).
Anticonvulsant effect has a short duration.
Dosing: Reduce by 50% in elderly patients.

Description

Test your knowledge about Diazepam with this quiz specifically designed for paramedics. Learn about its trade name, classification, mechanisms of action, and more. Ideal for those studying pharmacology or preparing for exams.