Diazepam oral

Therapeutic action

• Anxiolytic.
• Sedative.
• Antiseizure (anticonvulsant).
• Muscle relaxant.

Indications

Do not exceed the recommended duration of treatment because of the risk of dependence and tolerance.

• Severe anxiety, insomnia, and agitation.

Forms and strengths

• 2 mg and 5 mg tablets.

Dose and duration

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not administer to patients with severe respiratory insufficiency, severe hepatic impairment, or acute alcohol intoxication.
• Administer with caution to older patients and patients with renal or hepatic impairment by reducing the dose by half.
• Administer with caution to patients with a history of drug or substance abuse or mental health disorders.
• May cause hypotension, muscle weakness, ataxia, hypotonia, drowsiness, lethargy, confusion, impaired concentration, memory loss, and hyperactive or aggressive behaviour.
• May cause withdrawal syndrome or rebound effect if prolonged treatment is discontinued abruptly.
• May cause respiratory depression and coma in overdose.
• Avoid or monitor combinations with alcohol-containing drugs, opioid analgesics, antipsychotics, first-generation antihistamines, antidepressants, and other antiseizure medications because of increased sedation.
• Enzyme inducers can reduce diazepam effect, while omeprazole, macrolides, ritonavir, isoniazid, fluconazole, and itraconazole can increase toxicity.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: avoid.