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

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

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.

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
For sedation during minor surgery	By mouth ADULT: Up to 20mg, to be given 1-2 hours before procedure
Status epilepticus Febrile convulsions Convulsions due to poisoning	By rectum CHILD 1 month – 1 years: 5 mg, then 5 mg after 10 minutes if required. CHILD 2 – 11 years: 5 – 10 mg, the 5 – 10 mg after 10 minutes if required. CHILD 12 – 17 years: 10 – 20 mg, then 10 – 20 mg after 10 minutes if required ADULT: 10 – 20 mg, then 10 – 20 mg after 10 – 15 minutes if required ELDERLY: 10mg, then 10 mg after 10 – 15 minutes if required
Dyspnoea associated with anxiety in palliative care	By mouth ADULTS: 5 – 10mg daily