While lorazepam is regarded as a drug of choice (due to its longer action) for status epilepticus, diazepam remains a wise choice (lorazepam has to be refrigerated and is usually not available in most facilities). We have seen two recent events calling for diazepam. I recommend it for review for inclusion at your medical staff meeting.
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Note: As with midazolam, last month this product was experiencing extremely short supply.
Some guidelines:
- Do not add a second drug to the same syringe
- Diazepam: Push at about 5 mg/ minute; Lorazepam: 2 mg/min
- Too rapid administration may lead to hypotension and respiratory depression
- Dose: Diazepam = 0.2 mg/kg
- Dose: Lorazepam = 0.1 mg/kg
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