Diazepam

Generic Name

diazepam

Trade Name

Valium

Indication

anxiety, pre-op sedation, conscious sedation, treatment of seizures, insomnia, management of alcohol withdrawal

Action

depresses the CNS

Therapeutic Class

antianxiety agents, anticonvulsants, sedative/hypnotics, skeletal muscle relaxants (centrally acting)

Pharmacologic Class

Benzodiazepine

Nursing Considerations

contraindicated in hepatic dysfunction

use caution with renal impairment

can cause dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, hypotension, physical dependence, tolerance

instruct patient to take as directed

caution to avoid alcohol use

Romazicon is the reversal agent