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Drug Details

VALIUM (pre-medication)

• Drug Class Description
  Long-acting benzodiazepines (anxiolytics).
• Generic Name
  Diazepam - premedication
• 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.
• Description
  Valium: 2mg, white tablet; 5mg, yellow tablet. All scored and marked with tablet strength and ROCHE. Valium Injection: ampoules.
• Indications
  Sedative cover in medical and surgical procedures.
• Adult Dosage
  5-20mg.
• Child Dosage
  2-10mg. See data sheet.
• Elderly Dosage
  2.5-10mg.
• 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 cases of bereavement, psychological adjustment may be impaired. Avoid long-term use; withdraw gradually.

• Interactions
  Alcohol and other CNS depressants, anticonvulsants, narcotic analgesics, cimetidine, rifampicin.
• Adverse Drug Reactions
  

  Drowsiness, light-headedness, muscle weakness, ataxia, 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.