Generic / Brand Mechanism of Indications/ Contraindication Adverse Reactions/ Nursing Considerations/

Name Action Pharmacokinetic Side Effects Client Teaching

Generic Name: Action: Onset: 1-5 minutes Contraindications: Side effects: 1. Monitor BP, PR, RR
Diazepam 1. Suppresses the IV, 15-30 minutes 1. Hypersensitivity 1. Respiratory prior to periodically
spread of seizure IM 2. Substance abuse depression throughout therapy
activity through 3. Coma 2. Hypotension/reflex
the motor cortex
Brand Name: Peak: 15 minutes 4. Shock tachycardia 2. Assess IV site
of the brain
Valium (cerebral cortex) IV, 30-45 minutes 5. CNS depression 3. Blurred vision frequently during
IM from a head injury 4. Amnesia administration
2. Effective in 5. Headache -Diazepam may cause:
Classification: treating the Duration: 15-60 Precautions: 6. Drowsiness PHLEBITIS and VENOUS
Anticonvulsant, tremors and minutes 1. Short acting drug THROMBOSIS
Sedative, anxiety -so seizure activity
Skeletal muscle Half-life: 20-50 may reoccur 3. Observe and record
3. Diminishes
relaxants Hours 2. Flumazenil intensity, duration and
recall of patients
for cardioversion should be available location of seizure activity
Route: Indications: as an antidote -The initial dose of
IV route 1. Grand mal -can cause local Diazepam offers seizure
seizures venous irritation control for 15-20 minutes
Dose: 2. Acute anxiety after administration
3mg slow IV states
push, repeated 4. Effectivesness of
or as needed for therapy can be
seizure episode demonstrated by decrease
anxiety level, control of
seizures, decreased
tremulousness.