Drug Name Dosage & Route Action Indication Adverse Effects Contraindication Nursing Responsibility

Body as a Whole: Throat

DIAZEPAM Status Psychotherapeutic agent Drug of choice for status Injectable form: Shock, Assessment & Drug Effects
and chest pain. CNS:
(dye-az'e-pam) Epilepticus related to chlordiazepoxide; epilepticus. Management of coma, acute alcohol
Drowsiness, fatigue, ataxia,
Adult: IV/IM 5–10 mg, reportedly superior in anxiety disorders, for short- intoxication, depressed vital
confusion, paradoxic rage, • Monitor for adverse reactions.
Apo-Diazepam, Diastat, repeat if needed at 10– antianxiety and term relief of anxiety signs, obstetrical patients,
dizziness, vertigo, amnesia, Most are dose related. Physician will
Diazemuls , E-Pam , 15 min intervals up to anticonvulsant activity, with symptoms, to allay anxiety infants <30 d of age. Tablet
vivid dreams, headache, rely on accurate observation and
Meval , Novodipam , 30 mg, then repeat if somewhat shorter duration of and tension prior to surgery, form: Infants <6 mo of age,
slurred speech, tremor; EEG reports of patient response to the
Valium, Valrelease, Vivol needed q2–4h action. Like cardioversion and endoscopic acute narrow-angle glaucoma,
changes, tardive dyskinesia. drug to determine lowest effective
Child: IV/IM <5 y, chlordiazepoxide, it appears procedures, as an amnesic, untreated open-angle
CV: Hypotension, maintenance dose.
Classifications: CENTRAL 0.2–0.5 mg slowly q2– to act at both limbic and and treatment for restless glaucoma; during or within
tachycardia, edema,
NERVOUS SYSTEM 5min up to 5 mg; >5 y, subcortical levels of CNS. legs. Also used to alleviate
cardiovascular collapse.
14 d of MAO inhibitor • Monitor for therapeutic
AGENT; 1 mg slowly q2–5min acute withdrawal symptoms therapy. Safe use during effectiveness. Maximum effect may
Special Senses: Blurred
BENZODIAZEPINE up to 10 mg, repeat if of alcoholism, voiding pregnancy (category D) and require 1–2 wk; patient tolerance to
vision, diplopia, nystagmus.
ANTICONVULSANT; needed q2–4 h problems in older adults, and lactation is not established. therapeutic effects may develop
GI: Xerostomia, nausea,
ANXIOLYTIC adjunctively for relief of after 4 wk of treatment.
constipation, hepatic
Anxiety, Muscle skeletal muscle spasm
Spasm, associated with cerebral
dysfunction. Urogenital: • Observe necessary preventive
Incontinence, urinary precautions for suicidal tendencies
Convulsions, palsy, paraplegia, athetosis,
retention, gynecomastia that may be present in anxiety states
Alcohol stiff-man syndrome, tetanus.
(prolonged use), menstrual accompanied by depression.
Withdrawal irregularities, ovulation • Observe patient closely and
Adult: PO 2–10 mg failure. Respiratory:
b.i.d. to q.i.d. or 15–30 monitor vital signs when diazepam
Hiccups, coughing, is given parenterally; hypotension,
mg/d sustained laryngospasm. Other: Pain,
release IV/IM 2–10 muscular weakness, tachycardia, and
venous thrombosis, phlebitis respiratory depression may occur.
mg, repeat if needed in at injection site.
3–4 h • Lab tests: Periodic CBC and liver
Geriatric: PO 1–2 mg function tests during prolonged
1–2 times/d (max: 10 therapy.
mg/d)
• Supervise ambulation. Adverse
Child: PO >6 mo, 1–
reactions such as drowsiness and
2.5 mg b.i.d. or t.i.d.
ataxia are more likely to occur in
older adults and debilitated or those
receiving larger doses. Dosage
adjustment may be necessary.
• Monitor I&O ratio, including
urinary and bowel elimination.