Generic Name(Brand Name)

Route/ Dosage

Mechanism of Action Side Effects/Adverse Effects

Nursing Considerations

Generic Name:DiazepamBrand Name: ValiumIndication for the Patient:Adjunct in the management of:1) Anxiety2) Preoperative sedation3) Conscious sedation- Provides light anesthesia and anterograde amnesia- Treatment of status epilepticus/ uncontrolled seizures- Skeletal muscle relaxant- Management of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawalClassification:Antianxiety agents, anticonvulsants, sedative/hyptonics, skeletal muscle relaxants

Route: IM

Dosage: 10mg

Frequency: As needed

- Depress the CNS, probably by potentiating GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.- Produces skeletal muscle relaxation by inhibiting spinal polysynaptic afferent pathways.- Has anticonvul-sant properties due to enhanced presynaptic inhibi-tion.Therapeutic effects:(1) Relief of Anxiety(2) Sedation(3) Amnesia(4) Skeletal muscle relaxant(5) Decreased seizure activity

- CNS:1) dizziness2) drowsiness3) lethargy4) hangover5) headache6) depression- EENT:1) blurred vision- RESP:1) respiratory depression- CV:1) hypotension- GI:1) constipation2) diarrhea3) nausea4) vomiting- DERM:1) rashes- LOCAL:1) pain (IM)2) phlebitis (IV)3) venous thrombosis- MISC:1) physical & psychological depen-dence2)tolerance

- Monitor BP, PR,RR prior to periodically throughout therapy and frequently during IV therapy.- Assess IV site frequently during administration, diazepam may cause phlebitis and venous thrombosis.- Prolonged high-dose therapy may lead to psychological or physical dependence. Restrict amount of drug available to patient. Observe depressed patients closely for suicidal tendencies.- Observe and record intensity, duration and location of seizure activity. The initial dose of diazepam offers seizure control for 15-20 min after administration.- IM injections are painful and erratically absorbed. If IM route is used, inject deeply into deltoid muscle for maximum absorption.- Caution patient to avoid taking alcohol or other CNS depressants concurrently with this medication.- Effectiveness of therapy can be demonstrated by decrease anxiety level; control of seizures; decreased tremulousness.