title: Selection among benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal.
abstract: Four pharmacologic differences among the benzodiazepines, which are the drugs of choice to conduct alcohol withdrawal, guide selection of the appropriate one: chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, oxazepam, or chlorazepate. Bases for selection include: (1) availability of other than oral dosage forms; (2) differences in additive effect with alcohol in producing central nervous system depression; (3) differences in anticonvulsant effect; and (4) differences in duration of effect in the body (ie, half-life). Decreasing dosage schedules are preferred to a steady dosage. Illustrative dosage schedules for using chlordiazepoxide and diazepam to conduct alcohol withdrawal are given.
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D002707:Chlordiazepoxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003009:Clorazepate Dipotassium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003864:Depression, Chemical; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004357:Drug Synergism; D000431:Ethanol; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D010076:Oxazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000431:Ethanol; D003009:Clorazepate Dipotassium; D010076:Oxazepam; D002707:Chlordiazepoxide; D003975:Diazepam