Uses of Diazepam Injection:
- It is used to relax muscles.
- It is used to treat alcohol withdrawal .
- It is used to treat anxiety .
- It is used to help control certain kinds of seizures .
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
Can diazepam be considered an opium?
The short answer is “no,” Valium is the brand name of the drug diazepam, which belongs the class of drugs called benzodiazepines; it is not an opiate. Benzodiazepine drugs, often called benzos for short, are sedative and hypnotic drugs that act as central nervous system as depressants, slowing down heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, and lowering body temperature.
Can diazepam be used as a painkiller?
This drug is not considered a painkiller in the traditional sense, but taking diazepam for pain can be quite effective, if the pain arises from certain causes. Most commonly, diazepam can relieve aches and soreness resulting from muscle spasms in the back. Muscle spasms in the back can be treated with diazepam.
Is diazepam a sleeping pill?
diazepam. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine sleeping pill. It is also known by the trade names Dialar, Diazemuls, Diazepam Desitin, Diazepam Rectubes, Stesolid and Tensium. It is a class C controlled medicine. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has information about controlled medicines.
What will 5mg of diazepam do?
Valium is prescribed to manage symptoms of anxiety for short periods. It comes in 2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg tablet formulations that are meant to be swallowed and digested through the gastrointestinal system. Diazepam is fat-soluble, which means it is stored in the body’s fat cells and released during a specific time.
What does diazepam injection treat?
Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal. The injection form is used when prompt relief is desired or when the medication cannot be taken by mouth. This medication is also used for the short-term treatment of serious seizures that do not stop (status epilepticus).
How do you give diazepam injection?
Inject slowly, taking at least 1 minute for each 5 mg. If it is not feasible to administer diazepam directly intravenous, may inject slowly through the infusion tubing as close as possible to the vein insertion. Take extreme care to avoid extravasation or intraarterial administration.
How fast does diazepam injection work?
1 When administered via injection, valium takes just one to five minutes to take effect. When taken orally, people usually begin to feel the effects 15 to 60 minutes after ingestion. Rectal gel may be used for those who are experiencing seizures and begins working quickly after administration.
What are the side effects of diazepam injection?
Common side effects of diazepam injection include:drowsiness,dizziness,nausea,poor coordination,unsteadiness,headache,sleep disturbances,low blood pressure,More items...
Which injection is used for unconscious?
Midazolam injection is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow relaxation and decreased consciousness.
Is diazepam given IM or IV?
Diazepam may be administered intravenously or intramuscularly (deep into the muscle). However, absorption following I.M. administration is slow and erratic; thus, this route of administration should be avoided if possible.
What injection can make someone sleep?
Propofol slows the activity of your brain and nervous system. Propofol is used to put you to sleep and keep you asleep during general anesthesia for surgery or other medical procedures. It is used in adults as well as children 2 months and older.
Does diazepam make you sleepy?
Key facts. The most common side effect of diazepam is feeling drowsy. You're not recommended to use diazepam for longer than 4 weeks. If you take diazepam and feel sleepy, do not drive, cycle or use tools or machines.
Will diazepam help you sleep?
Diazepam - also commonly known as Valium - is a benzodiazepine that can be used to treat anxiety, sleep problems and more.
How long does diazepam last?
Response and effectiveness. The peak effects of diazepam are seen within 1 to 1.5 hours in most people. Diazepam is metabolized to active metabolites and its effects may last for more than 24 hours and extend with repeated dosing as the drug accumulates in the body.
Is diazepam a painkiller?
Diazepam appears to have a specific role as an adjuvant analgesic for pain due to skeletal muscle spasm associated with painful vertebral metastases.
Does diazepam affect the heart?
Diazepam produced no change in baroreceptor sensitivity; however, there was a significant rise in heart rate and a significant fall in aortic systolic and left ventricular end-diastolic pressures. Cardiac index was unchanged, whereas stroke volume fell significantly.
Which route is used for administration of diazepam?
Diazepam is available in multiple formulations, including oral tablets, intramuscular injections (IM), intravenous injection (IV), or rectal gel. Oral tablets have a more reliable absorption and controlled release when compared to IM.
How many mg is diazepam injection?
Diazepam Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution intended for intramuscular or intravenous administration. Each milliliter (mL) contains 5 mg diazepam; 40% propylene glycol; 10% alcohol; 5% sodium benzoate and benzoic acid added as buffers; and 1.5% benzyl alcohol added as a preservative.
Can diazepam be given subcutaneously?
Medications contraindicated for use via subcutaneous infusion due to severe localised reactions3,11: prochlorperazine (Stemetil, an antiemetic); diazepam (Valium, an anxiolytic); and. chlorpromazine (Largactil, an antipsychotic)
What is the use of diazepam?
Indications and Usage for Diazepam Injection. Diazepam is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic.
Why do you need extreme care when administering diazepam?
Extreme care must be used in administering Diazepam Injection, particularly by the intravenous route, to the elderly, to very ill patients and to those with limited pulmonary reserve because of the possibility that apnea and/or cardiac arrest may occur.
Does diazepam affect dogs?
Diazepam was found to have transient cardiovascular depressor effects in dogs. Long-term experiments in rats revealed no disturbances of endocrine function. Injections into animals have produced localized irritation of tissue surrounding injection sites and some thickening of veins after intravenous use.
Can you take diazepam with oral therapy?
Once the acute symptomatology has been properly controlled with Diazepam Injection, the patient may be placed on oral therapy with diazepam if further treatment is required.
Does diazepam cause muscular weakness?
Diazepam Injection has produced hypotension or muscular weakness in some patients particularly when used with narcotics, barbiturates, or alcohol.
Is diazepam a toxicity drug?
Propylene glycol toxicity has been reported in patients treated with Diazepam Injection at doses significantly greater than recommended. In these cases, diazepam was being used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms at doses greater than 900 mg/day.
Is diazepam safe for obstetrics?
Until additional information is available, Diazepam Injection is not recommended for obstetrical use.
What is the purpose of diazepam injection?
Diazepam Injection is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Seizure Disorders, Anxiety, Preoperative Sedation and Alcohol Withdrawal. Diazepam Injection may be used alone or with other medications.
What is the purpose of diazepam?
Diazepam is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Anxiety, Endoscopy, Alcohol Withdrawal, Muscle Spasm, Seizure Disorder and Sedation. Diazepam may be used alone or with other medications.
How long does diazepam last?
In children 3 to 8 years old the mean half-life of diazepam has been reported to be 18 hours.
How long does it take for diazepam to absorb?
After oral administration > 90% of diazepam is absorbed and the average time to achieve peak plasma concentrations is 1 to 1.5 hours with a range of 0.25 to 2.5 hours. Absorption is delayed and decreased when administered with a moderate fat meal. In the presence of food mean lag times are approximately 45 minutes as compared with 15 minutes when fasting. There is also an increase in the average time to achieve peak concentrations to about 2.5 hours in the presence of food as compared with 1.25 hours when fasting. This results in an average decrease in Cmax of 20% in addition to a 27% decrease in AUC (range 15% to 50%) when administered with food.
What is the chemical formula for diazepam?
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine derivative. The chemical name of diazepam is 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1- methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one. It is a colorless to light yellow crystalline compound, insoluble in water. The molecular formula is C 16 H 13 ClN 2 O and the molecular weight is 284.74. The structural formula is as follows:
What are the effects of benzodiazepines on the body?
Psychiatric and Paradoxical Reactions : stimulation, restlessness, acute hyperexcited states, anxiety, agitation, aggressiveness, irritability, rage, hallucinations, psychoses, delusions, increased muscle spasticity , insomnia, sleep disturbances, and nightmares. Inappropriate behavior and other adverse behavioral effects have been reported when using benzodiazepines . Should these occur, use of the drug should be discontinued. They are more likely to occur in children and in the elderly.
How to report side effects of prescription drugs?
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I use this medicine?
The medicine is for injection into a muscle or into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
warnings
You should not be treated with diazepam if you are allergic to it. You may not be able to use diazepam if you have glaucoma.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Diazepam may harm an unborn baby, and generally should not be used during pregnancy. However, status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition and the benefit of receiving this medicine to treat it may outweigh any risk to the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
Interactions
Do not drink alcohol shortly after receiving diazepam injection. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
Use Diazepam (Injection) (Injectable) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Overdose Signs
Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
How should I take diazepam?
Take diazepam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use diazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of diazepam can be fatal if you take it with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.
How to get help for diazepam overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of diazepam can be fatal if you take it with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.
How does benzodiazepines work?
It is thought that benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or muscle spasms and stiffness. Diazepam is sometimes used with other medications to treat seizures.
What are the side effects of diazepam?
Common diazepam side effects may include: drowsiness; feeling tired; muscle weakness; or. problems with balance or muscle movement. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What happens if you are allergic to diazepam?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to diazepam: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What does it mean when you take diazepam?
a drug or alcohol addiction; or. depression, a mood disorder, or suicidal thoughts or behavior. Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking diazepam. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
What is the purpose of diazepam injection?
It may also be used to help relax muscle or relieve muscle spasms. Diazepam injection is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines belong to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which are medicines that slow down the nervous system.
Why do people take diazepam before surgery?
Diazepam injection is used to relieve symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. It is also used to relieve anxiety before surgery or certain procedures. When diazepam is used before surgery, the patient will not remember some of the details about the procedure.
Why do people use diazepam?
Use diazepam with caution in patients with a history of alcoholism or substance abuse due to the potential for psychological dependence. The use of benzodiazepines exposes users to risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death.
How is diazepam administered?
Diazepam is administered orally, nasally, parenterally, and rectally. Both diazepam and its major active metabolite, desmethyldiazepam, bind extensively to plasma proteins (95% to 98%). Diazepam and its metabolite cross the blood-brain barrier. In young healthy males, the volume of distribution at steady-state is 0.8 to 1 L/kg. Metabolism of diazepam is primarily hepatic and involves demethylation (involving primarily CYP2C19 and CYP3A4) and 3-hydroxylation (involving primarily CYP3A4), followed by glucuronidation. Diazepam is extensively metabolized to 1 major active metabolite, desmethyldiazepam, and 2 minor active metabolites, temazepam (3-hydroxydiazepam) and oxazepam (3-hydroxy-N-diazepam). At therapeutic doses, desmethyldiazepam is found in plasma at concentrations equivalent to those of diazepam while oxazepam and temazepam are usually undetectable. The initial distribution phase is followed by a prolonged terminal elimination phase (half-life up to 48 hours). The terminal elimination half-life of N-desmethyldiazepam is up to 100 hours. Diazepam and its metabolites are excreted mainly in the urine, predominantly as their glucuronide conjugates. The clearance of diazepam is 20 to 30 mL/minute in young adults. Diazepam accumulates upon multiple dosing, and there is some evidence that the terminal elimination half-life is slightly prolonged. The marked interindividual variability in the clearance of diazepam is probably attributable to variability of CYP2C19, which is known to exhibit genetic polymorphism, and CYP3A4. [28712] [43932] [64930]
How long does it take for diazepam to be absorbed?
After oral administration, more than 90% of diazepam is absorbed. Tmax is 1 to 1.5 hours, with a range of 0.25 to 2.5 hours. The decline in the plasma-concentration time profile after oral administration is biphasic. The initial distribution phase has a half-life of approximately 1 hour, although it may range up to more than 3 hours. Absorption is delayed and decreased when administered with a moderate fat meal. In the presence of food, mean lag times are approximately 45 minutes as compared with 15 minutes when fasting. There is also an increase in Tmax to about 2.5 hours in the presence of food as compared with 1.25 hours when fasting. An average decrease in Cmax of 20% in addition to a 27% decrease in AUC (range 15% to 50%) occurs when diazepam is administered with food. [28712]
How does benzodiazepines help with insomnia?
Benzodiazepines alleviate insomnia by decreasing the latency to sleep and increasing sleep continuity and total sleep time through their effects on GABA. Benzodiazepines may also have other actions. For example, diazepam has been shown to counteract the cardiovascular toxicity of chloroquine.
How many studies have examined the effects of benzodiazepine exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy?
A meta-analysis of 23 studies examined the effects of benzodiazepine exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy. Eleven of the 23 studies included in the meta-analysis considered the use of chlordiazepoxide and diazepam and not other benzodiazepines. Case-control and cohort studies were considered separately.
What are the effects of benzodiazepine on respiratory depression?
Acetaminophen; Codeine: (Major) Concomitant use of opiate agonists with benzodiazepines may cause respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, and death. Limit the use of opiate pain medications with benzodiazepines to only patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. If concurrent use is necessary, use the lowest effective doses and minimum treatment durations needed to achieve the desired clinical effect. If an opiate agonist is initiated in a patient taking a benzodiazepine, use a lower initial dose of the opiate and titrate to clinical response. If parental diazepam is used with an opiate agonist, reduce the opiate agonist dosage by at least 1/3. If a benzodiazepine is prescribed for an indication other than epilepsy in a patient taking an opiate agonist, use a lower initial dose of the benzodiazepine and titrate to clinical response. Educate patients about the risks and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. Avoid prescribing opiate cough medications in patients taking benzodiazepines.
How long does diazepam last?
The mean elimination half-life of diazepam after administration of a 10 mg dose of nasal spray was about 49.2 hours. Diazepam plasma exposures (Cmax and AUC) increased approximately proportional to dose from 5 to 20 mg.
WARNING: RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOIDS
Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death [see WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS; Drug Interactions ].
DESCRIPTION
Diazepam Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution intended for intramuscular or intravenous administration. Each milliliter (mL) contains 5 mg diazepam; 40% propylene glycol; 10% alcohol; 5% sodium benzoate and benzoic acid added as buffers; and 1.5% benzyl alcohol added as a preservative. pH 6.6 (6.2 to 6.9).
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
In animals, diazepam appears to act on parts of the limbic system, the thalamus and hypothalamus, and induces calming effects.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Diazepam is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Injectable diazepam is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to this drug; acute narrow angle glaucoma; and open angle glaucoma unless patients are receiving appropriate therapy.
WARNINGS
Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, including diazepam, and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.
PRECAUTIONS
Although seizures may be brought under control promptly, a significant proportion of patients experience a return to seizure activity, presumably due to the short-lived effect of diazepam after intravenous administration. The physician should be prepared to re-administer the drug.
What is diazepam used for?
It is a fast-acting, long-lasting benzodiazepine commonly used to treat anxiety disorders and alcohol detoxification, acute recurrent seizures, severe muscle spasms, and spasticity associated with neurologic disorders . In the setting of acute alcohol withdrawal, diazepam is useful for symptomatic relief of agitation, tremor, alcoholic hallucinosis, and acute delirium tremens.[1] Benzodiazepines have largely replaced barbiturates in treating anxiety and sleep disorders because of their improved safety profile, fewer side effects, and flumazenil(antagonist) availability that can reverse oversedation in cases of benzodiazepine intoxication. [2][3]
How long does diazepam last?
Diazepam is long-lasting with a duration of action of more than 12 hours. Benzodiazepines have largely replaced barbiturates in the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders because of their improved safety profile, fewer side effects, and the availability of the antagonist flumazenil to reverse oversedation and benzodiazepine intoxication. ...
How to treat benzodiazepine overdose?
Treatment of benzodiazepine overdose involves protecting the airway, fluid resuscitation, and the use of flumazenil if indicated. Flumazenil works via competitive antagonism at the benzodiazepine receptor and can rapidly reverse coma. However, in patients with benzodiazepine tolerance, the use of flumazenil can precipitate acute withdrawal symptoms, autonomic instability, and seizures. [3]
How do benzodiazepines exert their effects?
Benzodiazepines exert their effects by facilitating the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA) at various sites . Specifically, benzodiazepines bind at an allosteric site at the interface between the alpha and gamma subunits on GABA-A receptor chloride ion channels. The allosteric binding of diazepam at the GABA-A receptor leads to an increase in the frequency at which the chloride channel opens, leading to an increased conductance of chloride ions. This shift in charge leads to a hyperpolarization of the neuronal membrane and reduced excitability of the neuron. [5]
What is the interprofessional approach to diazepam?
As illustrated above, managing patients on diazepam requires an interprofessional team approach consisting of clinicians(MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs), specialists, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers. Further, prescribing physicians should be responsible for checking state and federal controlled substance databases to detect benzodiazepines use disorder, diversion, and prevent improper drug use.[33] An interprofessional team approach would achieve maximum efficacy and minimize potential adverse drug reactions for the patients requiring diazepam, which can translate to better patient outcomes. [level 5]
What are the side effects of diazepam?
Like most benzodiazepines, the adverse reactions of diazepam include CNS and respiratory depression, dependence, and benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. [13]
What is the RID of diazepam?
Relative infant dose (RID) is the dose received via breast milk relative to the mother’s dose. A relative dose below 10% is within an acceptable range regarded as reasonably safe in the short term.
