Paper I — 2015 February (2010 Scheme) — Q6

Paper I

2015 February (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Diazepam

Q63 marksShort Notes★✓

Answer

Diazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine.

Mechanism of action

• Binds to a specific benzodiazepine site on the GABA-A receptor, increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening in response to GABA — enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission

Uses

• Anxiety disorders
• Status epilepticus (IV, drug of choice)
• Skeletal muscle spasm/spasticity, tetanus
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Premedication before anaesthesia

Adverse effects

• Sedation, ataxia
• Dependence/tolerance with prolonged use
• Withdrawal syndrome on abrupt stoppage
• Respiratory depression (with other CNS depressants/IV use)
• Anterograde amnesia

Antidote: Flumazenil

Related Concepts

1. 1Sedatives and Hypnotics

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