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Central Nervous System Drug Data - A-Z (English)

Drug Class Description

Long-acting benzodiazepines (anxiolytics).

Generic Name

Diazepam - central nervous system

Drug Description

Valium: 2mg, white tablet; 5mg, yellow tablet. All scored and marked with tablet strength and ROCHE. Valium Injection: ampoules.

Presentation

Valium tablets, diazepam 2mg , 5mg . Valium tablets are not prescribable on the NHS. Diazepam tablets must be prescribed generically. Valium injection, diazepam 5mg/mL .

Indications

Orally, short-term treatment of anxiety that is severe or disabling occurring alone or with insomnia. Acute alcohol withdrawal. Night terrors and somnambulism in children. By injection, severe acute anxiety, muscle spasm.

Adult Dosage

Orally, 6-30mg daily. By intramuscular or intravenous injection, 10mg four hourly.

Child Dosage

Orally, 1-5mg at bedtime. By injection, refer to data sheet.

Elderly Dosage

Orally, 3-15mg daily. By intramuscular or intravenous injection, 5mg four hourly.

Contra Indications

Acute pulmonary insufficiency, respiratory depression, phobic or obsessional states, chronic psychosis, myasthenia gravis. Pregnancy, labour and lactation.

Special Precautions

Chronic pulmonary insufficiency, chronic renal or hepatic disease. The elderly. Judgement and dexterity may be impaired, patients should be warned of these effects. Do not use alone to treat depression or anxiety associated with depression. In psychological adjustment may be impaired. Avoid long-term use; withdraw gradually.

Interactions

Alcohol and other CNS depressants, anticonvulsants, narcotic analgesics, cimetidine, rifampicin.

Adverse Reactions

Drowsiness, light-headedness, muscle weakness, ataxia, confusion, vertigo, GI upset, hypotension, visual disturbances, skin rashes, impaired alertness and dexterity. Urinary retention, changes in libido. Rarely blood disorders and jaundice. Abnormal psychological reactions, Risk of dependence increases the higher the dose and the longer the treatment.

Manufacturer

Roche

Drug Availability

(POM)

Updated

27 March 2009

Drug Languages: en it fr de es no nl pt se

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VALIUM (anxiety)