Valium (Diazepam)

Class:

  • Benzodiazepine, sedative hypnotic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant

Action:

  • Potentiates GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter to produce CNS depression
  • Anticonvulsant properties due to enhanced presynaptic inhibition
  • First line in seizure management

Indications:

  • Seizure
  • ETOH withdrawal
  • Anxiety /panic (severe)
  • Musculoskeletal injuries after opiates
  • Cocaine toxicity
  • Ketamine emergence phenomenon
  • Akathisia (restless syndrome) or Dystonic Reaction

 

  • Precautions:
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Coma
  • Shock
  • Alcohol intoxication
  • Accompanying narcotic use; may potentiate respiratory depressant effects

Adult Dosing:

  • Seizure: 5-10 mg IV/IO; additional doses q 5 minutes.
  • Orthopedic trauma (after opiate): 1-10 mg IV/IO; additional doses q 5 minutes.
  • ETOH withdrawal: 5-10 mg IV; additional doses q 5 minutes.
  • Anxiety/Panic: 2-5 mg IV; additional doses q 5 minutes.
  • Contact medical control if possible, after three doses for further direction.

Pediatric Dosing: (Use Broselow tape for dosing)

  • Orthopedic trauma (after opiate):   0.1mg/kg IV; additional doses q 5 minutes.
  • Seizure activity: 0.2 mg/kg IV/IO or rectal dose of 0.5 mg/kg; additional doses q 5 minutes.
  • Contact medical control if possible, after three doses for further direction.