Review of the clinical pharmacology and use of the benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines are commonly used in the perioperative period for the anxiolytic and amnestic effects they provide. The purpose of this article is to provide an understanding of the clinical pharmacology and mechanism of action for these agents, as well as the knowledge needed for the safe administration of benzodiazepines. The benzodiazepines most commonly used in the perioperative period are presented along with important facts and information regarding their use. The effected organ systems and drug interactions are also presented. Discussion of the benzodiazepine reversal agent, flumazenil, is included, followed by a discussion of nursing interventions.
Borchardt
M
M
Nursing Anesthesia Program, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, USA.
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000931:Antidotes / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005442:Flumazenil / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018757:GABA Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing*; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000379:methods; D018079:Receptors, GABA / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000931:Antidotes; D018757:GABA Modulators; D018079:Receptors, GABA; D005442:Flumazenil