Neonatal Drug Therapy Manual

Diazepam

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO and Ottawa Hospital online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Alternate Name(s): 
Valium
Classification: 
Sedation/Hypnotic
Indications: 
  • Used as a sedative
  • Anticonvulsant (not first-line agent)
Administration: 
  • IV direct: over 3 minutes (flush only with 0.9% NaCl)
  • PO
Dosage: 
  • Sedation:
    • IV: 0.04 - 0.3 mg/kg/dose Q2-4H to maximum of 0.6 mg/kg in one 8 hours period
    • PO: 0.2 - 0.8 mg/kg/day divided every 6-8 hours
  • Status Epilepticus:
    • IV: initial: 0.1 - 0.3 mg/kg every 15 - 30 minutes as needed to a maximum dose of  2 mg
Side Effects: 
  • CVS: bradycardia, hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, cardiac arrest
  • Dermatologic: rash
  • Local: thrombophlebitis, tissue necrosis may occur following extravasation
  • Respiratory: apnea, decrease in respiratory rate, laryngospasm
Parameters to Monitor: 
  • HR
  • BP
  • RR
  • Injection site
Compatibility: 

- Incompatible: do not mix with any other drug or IV fluid

- Flush only with 0.9% NaCl

References: 

-Taketomo CK, Hodding JH, Kraus DM. Pediatric Dosage Handbook 9th-11th Editions. Hudson: Lexi-Comp Inc.; 2002-2004.

-Gillis C. (Editor). Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties. Ottawa: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2002-2004. 

-King JC. King Guide to Parenteral Admixtures. Internet Edition.

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