Flumazenil may be used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepine, especially following an overdose.
Brand name: Romazicon
Mechanism of action: benzodiazepine receptor antagonism
Route of administration: intravenous injection, usually administered as a series of low doses (1-2 mg)
A person whose clinical condition is caused only by an excessive amount of benzodiazepine should respond to the intravenous injections within a few minutes/doses.
Repeat doses of flumazenil may be required in a patient with high levels of benzodiazepines or with a long-acting benzodiazepines since the drug may be effective for only 30 to 60 minutes (half-life about 1 hour). It is important to continue to monitor the patient closely.
A person with suspected benzodiazepine overdose who does not respond to flumzenil therapy (5 mg or more) may have one or both of the following:
(1) intoxication with another drug (which may be in addition to a benzodiazepine)
(2) have a non-drug cause for the clinical findings
Flumazenil may:
(1) precipitate withdrawal reaction in a person dependent on benzodiazepines
(2) cause seizures or other symptoms in a person intoxicated with barbiturates or tricyclic antidepressants
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