Diazepam

Diazepam (中文:[[ ]])is a long-acting benzodiazepine with anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant properties. It is used:

• In the short-term treatment of severe anxiety disorders;
• As a hypnotic in the short-term treatment of insomnia;
• As a sedative
• As an anticonvulsant (particularly in the management of status epilepticus and febrile convulsions)
• In the control of muscle spasms
• In the management of alcohol, or benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome.

Pronunciation

Diazepam 2mg

Diazepam 5mg

Drug Names

Generic Name 藥名	HA Code 藥物代碼	Classification藥物分類
Diazepam Tablet 2 mg	DIAZ01	P1S1S3 & Part 1 Dangerous Drug
Diazepam Tablet 5 mg	DIAZ02	P1S1S3 & Part 1 Dangerous Drug
Diazepam Rectal Solution 2mg/ml (2.5ml/tube)	DIAZ10	P1S1S3 & Part 1 Dangerous Drug
Diazepam Rectal Solution 4mg/ml (2.5ml/tube)	DIAZ11	P1S1S3 & Part 1 Dangerous Drug

Mechanism of Action

• Diazepam is a benzodiazepine.
• Gama-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, acting on the GABA receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), thus inhibiting the nerve impulses.
• It acts on the benzodiazepine receptors in the brain and the spinal cord. Benzodiazepine receptors in the CNS are linked with GABA receptors as a complex.
• Diazepam by binding to the benzodiazepine receptors results in activation of the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex, resulting in inhibition of nerve impulses, overall depression of brain and spinal cord.
• Thus, Diazepam helps to promote muscle relaxation, reduce anxiety, control of convulsions and promote sleep.

Dosage

• Diazepam is administered orally, rectally, and parenterally with the risk of dependence very much influencing the dose and duration of treatment.
• Courses of treatment should be short, not normally exceeding 4 weeks, with diazepam being withdrawal gradually.
• Elderly and debilitated patients should be given not more than one-half the usual adult dose

Anxiety	By mouth ADULT: 2 mg three times a day, then increased if necessary, to 15 – 30 mg daily in divided doses. ELDERLY: 1 mg three times a day, then increased if necessary to 7.5 – 15 mg daily in divided doses. Debilitated patients: use elderly dose
Insomnia associated with anxiety	By mouth ADULT: 5 – 15mg daily, to be taken at bedtime
For premedicationbefore general anaesthesia	By mouth ADULT: 5 – 10mg, to be given 1-2 hours before procedure ELDERLY: 2.5 – 5 mg, to be given 1-2 hours before procedure Debilitated patients: use elderly dose