Diazepam

Diazepam is used in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, seizures, status epilepticus, restless leg syndrome, alcohol withdrawal, benzodiazepine withdrawal, muscle spasms and Meniere’s disease. It is also used to induce amnesia in patients undergoing minor surgical and certain medical procedures like endoscopy. Diazepam reduces tension and anxiety.

Diazepam administered intravenously is still the first line of treatment in status epilepticus. It is also used to treat eclampsia which is a condition where a pregnant woman throws convulsions due to an increase in the blood pressure. This is used when magnesium sulphate has failed to control eclampsia. Diazepam is used to treat muscle spasms including blepharospasm. It is also often used to terminate seizures in patients with drug over dosage, chemical toxicity and organ phosphorus poisoning.

Diazepam is also used in short term treatment of insomnia, in treating tetanus along with other measures like administration of antibiotics and tetanus immunoglobulin. In tetanus it is often better to administer Diazepam intravenously rather than intramuscularly because the absorption of Diazepam in the already spastic muscles will be difficult.

Diazepam is also used in veterinary medicine. It is used in the short term treatment of seizures in dogs and long term treatment of seizures in cats.

Diazepam 5 mg is generally used orally or intravenously. Diazepam is available in the doses of 2 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg. Diazepam 5 mg is available in the tablet form where it can be used as a single dose or as divided dose. It is also available as intravenous solutions or injections where the dosage of Diazepam is 5 mg per 1 ml or 2 ml.