DIAZEPAM

Diazepam injection is a sterile solution packaged within a device that delivers its entire 2 mL contents automatically upon activation. Each mL contains 5 mg diazepam compounded with 40% propylene glycol, 10% ethyl alcohol, 5% sodium benzoate and benzoic acid as buffers, and 1.5% benzyl alcohol as preservative. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine derivative. Chemically, diazepam is 7-chloro-1,3- dihydro- 1-methyl-5-phenyl- 2H-1, 4-benzodiazepine-2-one. It is a colorless crystalline compound, insoluble in water and has a molecular weight of 284.74. Its structural formula is as follows: Chemical Structure

INDICATIONS Diazepam is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic. Note: Because the autoinjector provides a minimum dose of 10 mg diazepam, it should not be used to treat individuals with mild and moderate degrees of anxiety and anxiety related disorders that would ordinarily be managed with intramuscular doses of less than 10 mg. In acute alcohol withdrawal, diazepam may be useful in the symptomatic relief of acute agitation, tremor, impending or acute delirium tremens and hallucinosis. As an adjunct prior to endoscopic procedures if apprehension, anxiety or acute stress reactions are present, and to diminish the patient's recall of the procedures (See WARNINGS ). Diazepam is a useful adjunct for the relief of skeletal muscle spasm due to reflex spasm to local pathology (such as inflammation of the muscles or joints, or secondary to trauma), spasticity caused by upper motor neuron disorders (such as cerebral palsy and paraplegia); athetosis; stiff man syndrome; and tetanus. Diazepam injection is a useful adjunct in status epilepticus and severe recurrent convulsive seizures. Diazepam is useful premedication for relief of anxiety and tension in patients who are to undergo surgical procedures.

(INTRAMUSCULAR ONLY) Administration of the Diazepam Autoinjector 1. Pull off gray safety cap 2. Place Black end on mid outer thigh 3. Push hard until injector functions 4. Withdraw after 10 seconds Dosage Caution: Because the autoinjector automatically delivers a fixed dose of 10 mg of diazepam, it cannot be used in situations requiring lower total doses or those in which small incremental increases of diazepam are required. The usual recommended dose in older children and adults ranges from 10 mg to 20 mg I.M. depending on the indication and its severity. The cumulative total dose and individual maximum dose for intramuscular administration will vary with the specific indication (See dosage for specific indications). Intramuscular When instructions are followed properly the Diazepam Autoinjector injects deeply into the muscle. Intravenous Use The Diazepam Autoinjector is not designed or intended for intravenous use. Severe Anxiety Disorders and Symptoms of Anxiety Usual Adult Dosage: 10 mg, I. M. Repeat in 3 to 4 hours, if necessary. Acute Alcohol Withdrawal As an aid in symptomatic relief of acute agitation, tremor, impending or acute delirium tremens and hallucinosis. Usual Adult Dosage: 10 mg, I. M. initially, then 10 mg in 3 to 4 hours, if necessary. Endoscopic procedures Adjunctively, if apprehension, anxiety or acute stress reactions are present prior to endoscopic procedures. Dosage of narcotics should be reduced by at least a third and in some cases may be omitted. See Precautions for peroral procedures. Usual Adult Dosage: 10 mg I. M., approximately 30 minutes prior to the procedure. Muscle Spasm Associated with local pathology, cerebral palsy, athetosis, stiff-man syndrome or tetanus. Usual Adult Dosage: 10 mg, I. M., initially, then 10 mg in 3 to 4 hours, if necessary. For tetanus, larger doses may be required. Status Epilepticus and Severe Recurrent Convulsive Seizures In the convulsing patient, the I.V. route is preferred. However, if conditions preclude intravenous administration, the I.M. route may be used. Usual Adult Dosage: 10 mg, initially. This injection may be repeated if necessary at 10 to 15 minute intervals up to a maximum dose of 30 mg. If necessary, therapy with diazepam may be repeated in 2 to 4 hours; however, residual active metabolites may persist, and re-administration should be made with this consideration. Extreme caution must be exercised with individuals with chronic lung disease or unstable cardiovascular status. Preoperative Medication To relieve anxiety and tension. (if atropine, scopolamine or other premedications are desired, they must be administered in separate syringes). Usual Adult Dosage: 10 mg, I.M. (preferred route), before surgery. General Once the acute symptomatology has been properly controlled with diazepam injection, the patient may be placed on oral therapy with diazepam if further treatment is required. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever the solution and container permit.

INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION OF DIAZEPAM WITH THE AUTOINJECTOR IS CONTRAINDICATED. Diazepam injection is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to this drug; acute narrow angle glaucoma; and open angle glaucoma unless patients are receiving appropriate therapy.

Side effects most commonly reported were drowsiness, fatigue and ataxia; venous thrombosis and phlebitis at the site of injection. Other adverse reactions less frequently reported include: CNS: confusion, depression, dysarthria, headache, hypoactivity, slurred speech, syncope, tremor, vertigo. G.I.: constipation, nausea. G.U.: incontinence, changes in libido, urinary retention. Cardiovascular: bradycardia, cardiovascular collapse, hypotension. EENT: blurred vision, diplopia, nystagmus. Skin: urticaria, skin rash. Other: hiccups, changes in salivation, neutropenia, jaundice. Paradoxical reactions such as acute hyperexcited states, anxiety, hallucinations, increased muscle spasticity, insomnia, rage, sleep disturbances and stimulation have been reported; should these occur, use of the drug should be discontinued. Minor changes in EEG patterns, usually low-voltage fast activity, have been observed in patients during and after diazepam therapy and are of no known significance. In peroral endoscopic procedures, coughing, depressed respiration, dyspnea, hyperventilation, laryngospasm and pain in throat or chest have been reported. Because of isolated reports of neutropenia and jaundice, periodic blood counts and liver function tests are advisable during long-term therapy.

Effect of Concomitant Use of Benzodiazepines and Opioids The concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids increases the risk of respiratory depression because of actions at different receptor sites in the CNS that control respiration. Benzodiazepines interact at GABA A sites, and opioids interact primarily at mu receptors. When benzodiazepines and opioids are combined, the potential for benzodiazepines to significantly worsen opioid-related respiratory depression exists. Limit dosage and duration of concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids, and follow patients closely for respiratory depression and sedation. Concomitant Use with Other Psychotropic Agents or Anticonvulsant Drugs If diazepam is to be combined with other psychotropic agents or anticonvulsant drugs, careful consideration should be given to the pharmacology of the agents to be employed particularly with known compounds which may potentiate the action of diazepam, such as phenothiazines, narcotics, barbiturates, MAO inhibitors and other antidepressants. In highly anxious patients with evidence of accompanying depression, particularly those who may have suicidal tendencies, protective measures may be necessary. The usual precautions in treating patients with impaired hepatic function should be observed. Metabolites of diazepam are excreted by the kidney; to avoid their excess accumulation, caution should be exercised in the administration to patients with compromised kidney function. Concomitant Use with Cimetidine The clearance of diazepam and certain other benzodiazepines can be delayed in association with Tagamet (cimetidine) administration. The clinical significance of this is unclear.

STORAGE Store at 25°C (77°F); Excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not refrigerate.