Medication 7-932 - Valium (Diazepam)

CMH EMS & MIH Protocols

Scope of Practice:

• Registered Nurse
• Paramedic
• Community Paramedic

Route(s):

• IM/SQ, IN, IO, IV,

Pharmacodynamics (class and mechanism of action):

• Tranquilizer. Anticonvulsant. Skeletal muscle relaxant. Sedative. (Binds to benzodiazepine receptor and enhances effects of GABA.)

Pharmacokinetics:

• Half-life: 1-12 days.
• Onset time: 1-5 minutes.
• Peak action time:
• IM: 2 hours.
• IV: 1-5 minutes.
• Duration of action: 15-60 minutes.

• Peak	4	8	12	16	20	24	28	32	36	40	minutes
  Duration	4	8	12	16	20	24	28	32	36	40	minutes

Dosing:

• Refer to specific protocol(s) below for dose(s).

Indications:

• Not in current standing order protocols.

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy.
• Age less than six months.
• Acute-angle glaucoma.
• CNS depression.
• Alcohol intoxication.

Pregnancy Risk Factor:

• Category D
• Positive evidence of risk: There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Potential Incompatibilities:

• May precipitate with other drugs.

Precautions and Adverse Effects:

• Short duration of effect.
• May cause local venous irritation, drowsiness, hypotension, respiratory depression, fatigue, headache, confusion, Nausea, and sedation.

Antidote:

• Romazicon.

Controlled Substance Information:

• Schedule IV
• Moderate potential for abuse. Abusing the drug may lead to moderate mental or physical addiction.
• DEA number: 2765.
• Narcotic: No.
• Street names: Benzos, Blue Vs, Dead Flower, Downers, Drunk Pills, FooFoo, Howards, Ludes, Old Joes, Powers, Sleep Away, Tranks, Vs, Yellow Vs.

CMH Pre-Hospital Services Mission: "Provide safe, exceptional, and compassionate care to our communities with an emphasis on highly trained and empowered staff."

CMH Mobile Integrated Healthcare Mission: "Provide exceptional, compassionate, and patient-centered care by a mobile collaborative team to improve patient experience, improve quality outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs."

Polk, Hickory, Cedar, & St Clair County EMS Protocols is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.