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Diazepam (Valium®): Basic Information

Diazepam (Valium® and generic) is a benzodiazepine that is used as an anxiolytic. Here is basic information about this medication.

FDA-approved indications

1. Anxiety disorders
2. Short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety
3. Symptomatic relief of withdrawal symptoms of acute alcoholism

Dosage

A. Oral

1. Anxiety disorders and relief of symptoms of anxiety
2–10 mg orally, 2-4 times daily (depending on severity)

2. Symptomatic relief in acute alcohol withdrawal
10 mg orally, 3-4 times during the first 24 hours, reducing to 5 mg, 3 or 4 times daily as needed

Special Populations

Pediatric patients (6 months or older)
1 mg to 2.5 mg, 3 or 4 times daily initially; increase gradually as needed and tolerated

Geriatric/Debilitated
2 mg to 2.5 mg, 1 or 2 times daily initially; increase gradually as needed and tolerated

B. Injectable

1. Moderate anxiety disorders and symptoms of anxiety
2 mg to 5 mg, intramuscular or intravenous. Repeat in 3 to 4 hours, if necessary

2. Severe anxiety disorders and symptoms of anxiety
5 mg to 10 mg, intramuscular or intravenous. Repeat in 3 to 4 hours, if necessary

3. Symptomatic relief in acute alcohol withdrawal
10 mg, intramuscular or intravenous initially, then 5 mg to 10 mg in 3 to 4 hours, if necessary

Dosage forms and strengths

Tablets (Valium® and generic): 2 mg (scored), 5 mg (scored), 10 mg (scored)

Oral concentrate (Diazepam Intensol™ and generic): 5 mg/mL

Injection (generic): 5 mg/mL
(Supplied as 10 mg/2 mL Carpuject™, single-dose cartridge with Luer Lock )

Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.


Related Pages

Alprazolam (Xanax® or Xanax® XR): Basic Information (Free)

Complete change in how to use hydroxyzine

Three important pieces of information about benzodiazepines (Free)

Relaxation Practice: A Simple and Powerful Tool for Anxiety, Tension, and Insomnia


References

Diazepam (Valium®) Prescribing Information

Diazepam Oral Solution Prescribing Information

Diazepam Injection Prescribing Information


Copyright 2016, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided as general education for medical professionals. It is not intended or recommended for patients or other laypersons, or as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients must always consult a qualified health care professional regarding their diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare professionals should always check this website for the most recently updated information.

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