DRUG NAME
ACTION
VALIUM
Generic name: Diazepam
Available Forms:
Injection 5mg/ml
Rectal gel twin packs
Tablets 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
For Anxiety:
Adults: 2 to 10 mg PO bid
to qid. Or 2 to 10 mg IM or
IV q 3 to 4 hours, prn
Children 6 months above: 1
to 2.5 mg, 1 or 2 times daily
initially. Increase gradually
as needed.
For Preoperative Sedation:
10 mg IM or IV before
surgery
MECHANISM OF INDICATION CONTRAINDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS ADVERSE NURSING
EFFECTS RESPONSIBILITIES
A benzodiazepine Symptomatic Contraindicated in drowsiness, tiredness Urinary retention. Monitor periodic hepatic, renal
that may potentiate relief of anxiety, pregnant women sleep problems Paradoxical and hematopoietic function
the effects of agitation and especially in first (insomnia); reactions. studies in patients receiving
GABA, depress tension due to trimester. muscle weakness, Dependence, repeated or prolonged therapy.
the CNS and psychoneurotic lack of balance or withdrawal
suppresses the states and Dependence on other coordination; symptoms. Monitor elderly patients for
spread of seizure transient substances including slurred speech; Jaundice. Tremors. dizziness, ataxia, and mental
activity. situational alcohol except in nausea, vomiting, status changes. Patients are at
disturbances. management of acute constipation; an increased risk for falls.
Adjunctively in withdrawal reactions. headache;
major mental and drooling; skin rash; When using oral solution,
organic disorders. Patients with severe or loss of interest in dilute dose just before giving.
Adjunct for the chronic hypercapnia, sex.
relief of reflex myasthenia gravis, severe Warn patient to avoid activities
muscle spasm due respiratory insufficiency, that require alertness and good
to local trauma. severe hepatic coordination until effects of
To combat insufficiency, sleep apnea drug are known.
spasticity arising syndrome.
from damage to Tell patient to avoid alcohol
spinal and Do not give this while taking drug.
supraspinal medication to a child
interneurons. younger than 6 months Notify patient that smoking
old. may decrease drug’s
Basal sedation effectiveness.
before stressful
therapeutic Warn woman to avoid use
measures or during pregnancy.
interventions. For
pre-op medication
of anxious or
tense patients.