Easium 5mg (Diazepam)

Description

Indications

Easium (Diazepam) is prescribed for the short-term treatment of mild to moderate anxiety, agitation, fear, excitation and aggressiveness. It is also effective for anxiety caused by stressful conditions and anxiety with physical symptoms.
Additional medical uses include:

• Acute alcohol withdrawal

• Status epilepticus

• Premedication before surgical procedures

• Febrile convulsions

• Insomnia in hospitalised patients

Always take this medication under the supervision of a registered and qualified healthcare professional.

Description

Easium is a benzodiazepine tranquilliser with anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and central muscle-relaxant properties. Intravenous Easium is frequently administered in obstetrics and for the management of status epilepticus in emergency settings.

Pharmacology

Diazepam works by binding to GABA receptors and boosting the action of GABA, resulting in relaxation and sedation through the increased flow of chloride ions into nerve cells.

• Rapid and complete absorption after oral use

• Peak plasma level within 15–90 minutes

• Average plasma half-life around 30 hours

• 98–99% bound to plasma proteins

• Metabolised in the liver and excreted mainly through urine and faeces

• Rectal administration reaches peak concentration within 1.5–2 hours

Dosage & Administration

Oral Use

IM / Slow IV Injection

(Use large vein, below 5 mg/min)

• Acute anxiety, panic attacks, acute alcohol withdrawal: 10 mg, repeat if needed after ≥ 4 hours

• Febrile convulsions in children: 250 mcg/kg slow IV

Rectal Administration

• Children: 500 mcg/kg (max 10 mg), repeat if necessary

Always follow dosing guidance from a licensed doctor or prescriber.

Drug Interactions

Avoid combining Easium with alcohol.
Sedation may increase with:

• Antipsychotics, hypnotics, sedative antihistamines

• CNS depressants (e.g., anaesthetics, narcotic painkillers, antidepressants)

Other interactions:

• Phonobarbitone increases Easium clearance

• Cimetidine, Omeprazole and Isoniazid reduce Easium metabolism

Contraindications

Do not take Easium if you have:

• Myasthenia gravis

• Respiratory depression or pulmonary insufficiency

• Known hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines

Side Effects

Generally well tolerated. Higher doses may cause:

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Light-headedness

• Confusion

• Loss of coordination (ataxia)

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Diazepam crosses the placenta and passes into breast milk.
Use should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation where possible.
US FDA Category: D.

Precautions & Warnings

• Avoid prolonged use and sudden withdrawal

• Use cautiously in patients with respiratory illness, muscle weakness, liver or kidney impairment

• Caution required for individuals with a history of drug or alcohol dependence

Overdose

Symptoms may include:

• Excessive sedation

• Muscle weakness

• Deep sleep or paradoxical agitation
  Severe cases may lead to ataxia, hypotonia, hypotension, respiratory depression, and – very rarely – coma or death.

Therapeutic Class

• Benzodiazepine sedatives

• Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants

• Primary anti-epileptic medicines

Storage

Store below 25°C, in a cool, dry place away from direct light.