​Pharmacology - Diazepam

​Pharmacology - Diazepam
Anticonvulsant agent. Not only hypnotic but also anxiolytic

Method of Operation 
Contributes to the enhancement of channel opening by GABA by interaction with the benzodiazepine binding site on the GABAA receptor.
The electrical excitability is decreased when the Cl- permeability is increased. It has been suggested that clonazepam and clobazam are anticonvulsants that are more selective and cause less sedation. In the case of status epilepticus, administered intravenously. The active metabolite of diazepam has a somewhat prolonged half-life (60 hours) and makes a significant contribution to the activities of the drug. The P450 system and glucuronide conjugation are responsible for the metabolism.

Use in Clinical Settings
For the treatment of status epilepticus, intravenous administration of diazepam. Tonic-clonic seizures and absence seizures are treated with clonazepam.
As an additional anticonvulsant, clobazam is being used. The development of tolerance to anticonvulsant action occurs.

Allergies and Reactions
The use of benzodiazepines is not dangerous. Sedation is an unintended consequence of the treatment of epilepsy. When used with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, severe respiratory depression can occur.