Diazepam
From Ganfyd
BNF-registration required
BNF for children-registration required
It became a blockbuster for Roche after its properties were described in 1961[1].
Contents |
Indications
- Short term relief of severe anxiety
- Adjunctive therapy at the start of antidepressant therapy
- Control of status epilepticus
- Muscle relaxant
- Adjunct in acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome
- Perioperative
Pharmacology
Pharmacokinetics
Diazepam has a high lipid solubility. It shows a biphasic half-life, with an initial decrease in blood levels due to re-distribution. The subsequent half-life is between 20-100 hours.
However, metabolites of diazepam are also active and some, for instance desmethyldiazepam, have even longer half-lives than diazepam itself. Therefore, the effective half-life of diazepam and its metabolites can be considerable with a danger of accumulation in the elderly.
Dosage
5-30mg daily in divided doses
Can be given in similar doses intravenously as Diazemuls® (emulsified preparation - as otherwise irritant to veins).
References
- ↑ Randall L O, Heise G A, Schallek W, Bagdon R E, Banziger R, Boris A, Moe R A & Abrams W B. Pharmacological and clinical studies on Valium™ a new psychotherapeutic agent of the benzodiazepine class. Curr. Ther. Res. 3:405-25, 1961.
