Diazemuls

What is it?

A long-acting anxiolytic, benzodiazepine, available as an emulsion of 10mg in 2ml.

Medical Uses

Severe acute anxiety, delirium tremens, anticonvulsant for status epilepticus (continual seizures resulting in brain damage if not stopped), acute muscular spasms, and as a premedication.

Dosage

Adults, anxiety, delirium tremens, muscle spasms, 10mg by infusion or intravenous injection at 4- hourly intervals, elderly patients receive 5mg. Children, anxiety, delirium tremens, acute muscle spasms, 0.2mg per kg of body weight every 4 hours by same means as adults. Status epilepticus, adults and children, 0.15-0.25mg per kg of body weight by intravenous injection, repeated after half to one hour and then up to 3mg per kg over 24 hours, by intravenous infusion. For premedication, adults and children, 0.1-0.2mg per kg of body weight by intravenous injection.

Special Care

Chronic lung insufficiency, chronic liver or kidney disease, depression, glaucoma (acute, narrow angle), bereavement. Drug can affect dexterity and judgement. Long-term use is to be avoided and drug should be withdrawn gradually.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, labour, elderly persons, acute lung insufficiency, depression of respiration (except in cases of acute muscle spasms), sleep apnoea, severe liver insufficiency, myasthenia gravis (a severe autoimmune disorder). Also, when treating anxiety, obsessional states or chronic psychosis.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Alcohol and otherCNS depressants, anticonvulsants.

Known Side Effects

Vertigo, gastro-intestinal upsets, confusion, ataxia, drowsiness, light-headedness, hypotension, disturbance of vision, skin rashes. Also, urine retention, changes in libido. Dependence a potential problem.