Diazepam (Valium)
Classification: Benzodiazepine
Dosage / Administration:
|
Route |
Onset of Action |
Peak Effect |
Duration of Action |
|---|---|---|---|
|
IV |
1-5 minutes |
3-5 minutes |
2-4 hours |
|
Oral |
15-60 minutes |
60 minutes |
3-6 hours |
Adult Dose:
Administer in 1-2mg increments every 2 minutes IV until desired effect is achieved. (Slurred speech). Generally 10 to 20 mg in 60 minutes.
Pediatric Dose:
0.1 – 0.3 mg/kg.
Adverse Reactions:
- Respiratory effects – Respiratory depression, apnea
- Cardiovascular effects – Bradycardia, hypotension
- CNS effects – Agitation, confusion, diplopia
- GI effects – hiccups
- Special Considerations – Phlebitis at site of injection, rash, urticaria, avoid extravasation as drug is caustic to tissue.
- May be diluted with normal saline only. Do not mix with any other drug.
- Midazolam is generally preferable to Diazepam due to Midazolam’s decreased duration and easier titratability.
Reversal agent:
Flumazenil (Romazicon) will reverse the respiratory effects of diazepam overdose.