Evalin (Diazepam)

Evalin (Diazepam)

Therapeutic Group: Antipsychotic, Neurotonic & Sedative

Generic: Diazepam

Presentation:

Evalin Tablet: Each tablet contains Diazepam BP 5 mg.

Pharmacology:

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that is very widely used for its sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant properties. Diazepam, like other members of the benzodiazepine family, binds to receptors in various regions of the brain, such as the spinal cord, brain stem, cerebellum, limbic system and cerebral cortex. Binding of diazepam to the benzodiazepine receptor potentiates the inhibitory actions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mediated through chloride channel, thereby enhancing GABA-facilitated, inhibitory synaptic transmission.

Indication:

Anxiety, skeletal muscle spasm, emotionally stressful condition, status epilepticus and other convulsive states (tetanus, eclampsia), excitation states, surgical procedures, night terrors & walking sleeping.

Dosage & Administration:

Usual dose for anxiety is 2 mg three times daily increased if necessary to 15-30 mg in divided dose; Elderly half dose of adult. Insomnia associated with anxiety, 5-15 mg at bedtime. Child: Night terrors and walking sleep, 1-5 mg at bedtime.

Contraindications:

Patients with known hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines, & myasthenia gravis are contraindicated to diazepam.

Warning & Precautions:

Diazepam is not recommended for use in patients with depressive disorders or psychosis. Patients should be advised against the concurrent use of alcohol and other CNS depressant drugs. Patients with known or presumed dependence from alcohol or drugs should not take benzodiazepines.
Since Diazepam has a CNS depressant effect, patients should be warned against driving, operating dangerous machinery, or engaging in other hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and physical coordination.

Side Effects:

Drowsiness and light headedness the next day; confusion and ataxia (specially in the elderly); amnesia may occur; dependence; paradoxical increase in aggression; occasionally headache, vertigo, hypotension, gastrointestinal disturbances, visual disturbances, dysarthria, tremor, changes in libido, incontinence, urinary retention, blood disorders and jaundice reported.

Drug interaction:

Diazepam may potentiate or interact with the effects of other CNS acting drugs such as alcohol, narcotics, hypnotics, sedative antihistamines, antipsychotics, anxiolytics/sedatives, anesthetics, antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Besides these diazepam may interact with phenytoin, cimetidine, levodopa, lithium.

Use in Special group:

Use in pregnancy: Several studies have suggested an increased risk of congenital malformation associated with the use of diazepam during the first trimester of pregnancy. The expected therapeutic benefit for the mother should be weighed against the possible risk to the fetus before diazepam is administered to a pregnant woman.
Use in lactation: Diazepam and its metabolites are probably excreted into human milk. So, it should be avoided during breast-feeding.

Packing:

Evalin Tablet: Each box contains 500's tablets in blister pack.