Saline flush: a simple method of reducing diazepam-induced thrombophlebitis.
Five hundred outpatients undergoing endoscopy were admitted into a controlled trial comparing the incidence of thrombophlebitis following intravenous diazepam administered in the way, with the effects of either a saline flush following the diazepam or diluting the drug with the patient's own blood before injection ('barbotage'). The results were assessed using a questionnaire completed by patients two weeks after endoscopy; 80% replied. A saline flush reduced the incidence of side effects, particularly pain (P less than 0.05). 'Barbotage' gave the highest incidence of side effects. Saline flush is therefore recommended as a means of reducing the thrombophlebitis which may follow intravenous diazepam.
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003975:Diazepam / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*
D012965:Sodium Chloride; D003975:Diazepam