Benzodiazepine intoxication

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flumazenil

Benzodiazepines are drugs having hypnotic, sedative, myorelaxant and anticonvulsant effects.

The most frequently used substances include:

• diazepam',
• bromazepam' (Lexaurin®),
• alprazolam' (Neurol®),
• flunitrazepam' (Rohypnol®).

Benzodiazepines increase the action of GABA' on receptors, reduce spinal reflexess and inhibit ARAS. Their toxicity is not very high - they have a large therapeutic range' (twenty times the dose will cause moderate toxic effects).

Clinical picture

After 30-120 minutes, somnolence, ataxia, hypotension, coma and even respiratory arrest and death occur.

Therapy

• Repeated doses of black coal, within 1 hour after ingestion gastric lavage, symptomatic and supportive therapy.
• Specific antagonist – flumazenil' (in coma 0.2 mg i.v.; can be repeated up to a maximum dose of 3.0 mg).

Links

• Benzodiazepines
• Benzodiazepines (pediatrics)
• Psychopharmaceuticals

Source

• BENEŠ, George. Study Materials [online]. [cit. 2010-02-24]. <http://jirben.wz.cz>.

References

• PELCLOVÁ, Daniela. Occupational diseases and intoxication. 2. edition. Prague : Karolinum, 2006. 207 pp. ISBN 80-246-1183-X.