DIAZEPAM BRAND NAME: Valium

Indication

Mechanism of Action
Depress the CNS, probably by potentiating GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. - Produces skeletal muscle relaxation by inhibiting spinal polysynaptic afferent pathways. - Has anticonvulsant properties due to enhanced presynaptic inhibition.Therapeutic effects: (1) Relief of Anxiety (2) Sedation (3) Amnesia (4) Skeletal muscle relaxant (5) Decreased seizure activity

Adverse Rxn
CNS: 1) dizziness 2) drowsiness 3) lethargy 4) hangover 5) headache 6) depression - EENT: 1) blurred vision - RESP: 1) respiratory depression - CV: 1) hypotension - GI: 1) constipation 2) diarrhea 3) nausea 4) vomiting - DERM: 1) rashes - LOCAL: 1) pain (IM) 2) phlebitis (IV) 3) venous thrombosis - MISC: 1) physical & psychological

Nsg Responsibilities
- Monitor BP, PR,RR prior to periodically throughout therapy and frequently during IV therapy. - Assess IV site frequently during administration, diazepam may cause phlebitis and venous thrombosis. - Prolonged high-dose therapy may lead to psychological or physical dependence. Restrict amount of drug available to patient. Observe depressed patients closely for suicidal tendencies. - Observe and record intensity, duration and location of seizure activity. The initial dose of diazepam offers seizure control for 15-20 min after administration. - IM injections are painful and erratically absorbed. If IM route is used, inject deeply into deltoid muscle for maximum absorption.

Special Considerations
Hypersensitivity - Cross-sensitivity with other benzodiazepines may occurs - Comatose patients - Pre-existing CNS depression - Uncontrolled severe painUse cautiously in: 1) Hepatic dysfunction 2) Severe renal impairment 3) History of suicide attempt or drug depende

Adjunct in the management of: CLASSIFICATI ON: 1) Anxiety Antianxiety 2) agents, Preoperative anticonvulsants, sedation sedative/hypton 3) Conscious ics, skeletal sedation muscle - Provides light relaxants anesthesia (centrally and acting) anterograde amnesia DOSAGE: - Treatment of 10 mg IM status epilepticus/ uncontrolled seizures - Skeletal muscle relaxant - Management of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal

depen-dence 2)tolerance

- Caution patient to avoid taking alcohol or other CNS depressants concurrently with this medication. - Effectiveness of therapy can be demonstrated by decrease anxiety level; control of seizures; decreased tremulousness.