Valium(Diazepam, T-Quil, Stesolid)
Valium Pharmacology
Valium - Anxiolytic - Sedative - Muscle Relaxant
Valium is a benzodiazepine with CNS depressant properties and a somewhat flatter dose-response slope than the sedative-hypnotic drugs. In laboratory animals, it produces, in varying doses, taming, disinhibitory, sedative, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, ataxic and hypnotic effects.
Valium is relatively devoid of autonomic effects and does not significantly reduce locomotor activity at low doses, or depress amphetamine-induced excitation. In high doses, it activates the drug metabolizing enzymes in the liver. Valium also possesses dependence liability and may produce withdrawal symptoms, but has a wide margin of safety against poisoning.
With the parenteral form, peak blood levels are reached within 15 minutes after i.v. administration and are of the same magnitude as after oral administration. The respective half-life is approximately 2-3 hours.
Valium Indications
The short-term symptomatic management of mild to moderate degrees of anxiety in conditions dominated by tension, excitation, agitation, fear or aggressiveness, such as may occur in psychoneurosis, anxiety reactions due to stress conditions and anxiety states with somatic expression.
In acute alcoholic withdrawal, Valium may be useful in the symptomatic relief of acute agitation, tremor and impending acute delirium tremens.
Valium Contraindications
Myasthenia gravis, known hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines. Not recommended for children under 6 months of age.
Valium - Warnings
Pregnancy: If Valium is prescribed for a woman of childbearing potential, she should be warned to contact her physician regarding discontinuation of the drug if she intends to become or suspects that she is pregnant.
Valium Precautions
Geriatrics: Elderly and debilitated patients or those with organic brain disorders have been found to be prone to CNS depression following even low doses. For these patients it is recommended that the Valium dosage be limited to the smallest effective amount to preclude development of ataxia, oversedation or other possible adverse effects.
Epileptic patientsSince: Valium may exacerbate grand mal seizures in some patients, caution is required when it is used in epileptic patients. An adjustment may be necessary in their anticonvulsive medication. Abrupt withdrawal of Valium in these patients should also be avoided.
The usual precautions in treating patients with impaired renal and hepatic functions should be observed. If Valium is administered for protracted periods, periodic blood counts and liver function tests would be highly advisable.
Valium Overdose Symptoms
Drowsiness, oversedation and ataxia. When the effects of Valium overdosage begin to wear off, the patient exhibits some jitteriness and overstimulation. The cardinal manifestations of overdosage are drowsiness and confusion, reduced reflexes and coma. There are minimum effects on respiration, pulse and blood pressure unless the overdosage is extreme.
Valium Overdose Treatment
Gastric lavage may be beneficial if performed soon after oral ingestion of Valium. If necessary, a CNS stimulant such as caffeine or methylphenidate may be administered with caution. Supportive measures should be instituted as indicated, such as, maintenance of an adequate airway, levarterenol for hypotension. Dialysis appears to be of little value.
Valium Dosage
Must be individualized according to diagnosis, severity of symptoms and degree of response. While the usual daily Valium dosages given below will meet the needs of most patients, there will be some who may require higher doses. In the first few days of administration a cumulative effect of the drug may occur, and therefore the dosage should be increased only after stabilization is evident.
Adults: Symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension in psychoneurosis and anxiety reactions: 2 to 10 mg, 2 to 4 times daily depending upon severity of symptoms.
Symptomatic relief in acute alcohol withdrawal: 10 mg, 3 or 4 times during the first 24 hours, reducing to 5 mg, 3 or 4 times daily as needed.
Adjunctively for relief of skeletal muscle spasms: 2 to 10 mg, 3 to 4 times daily.
Children: 1 to 2.5 mg, 3 or 4 times daily initially; increase gradually as needed and tolerated.
Because of varied responses, initiate therapy with lowest Valium dose and increase as required. Not for use in children under 6 months.
Valium Supplied
Valium 2 mg: Each white cylindrical, biplane tablet with edges bevelled, single scored on one side and engraved {ROCHEover2} on unscored side contains: Diazepam 2 mg. Also contains lactose 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: Cornstarch and magnesium stearate. Energy: 2.8 kJ (0.7 kcal). Gluten-free, paraben-free, sodium-free, sulfite-free and tartrazine-free. Bottles of 100.
Valium 5 mg: Each yellow cylindrical, biplane tablet with edges bevelled, single scored on one side engraved ROCHE above and C below the score line and engraved {VALIUMover5} on unscored side contains: Diazepam 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: Cornstarch, iron oxide, lactose, magnesium stearate and quinoline yellow WS. Energy: 2.8 kJ (0.7 kcal). Gluten-free, paraben-free, sodium-free, sulfite-free and tartrazine-free. Bottles of 100 and 1000.
Valium 10 mg: Each light blue cylindrical, biplane tablet with edges bevelled, single scored on one side and engraved {ROCHEover10} on unscored side contains: Diazepam 10 mg. Also contains lactose 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: Cornstarch, indigotine and magnesium stearate. Energy: 2.8 kJ (0.7 kcal). Gluten-free, paraben-free, sodium-free, sulfite-free and tartrazine-free. Bottles of 100.
Valium Storage
Store Valium between 15 and 30°C. Keep in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.
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