The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
- Acts to potentiate activity of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA; major inhibitory neurotransmitter) by binding to its own specific site
- Facilitates GABA binding to its site
- Results in chloride influx, membrane hyperpolarization, and inhibition of cellular excitation:
- Benzodiazepines (BZs) increase frequency of chloride channel opening.
- Depression of spinal reflexes and reticular activating system
- Rapidly absorbed from GI tract:
- Highly protein bound
- Large Vd
- Hepatic metabolism
- Duration of action is inversely proportional to lipophilicity.
- Duration of lorazepam > diazepam > midazolam.
- Synergistic with other sedative-hypnotic medications (eg, ethanol, barbiturates, propofol)
You must be logged in to fully access this content.
Sign up for a 30-Day Free Trial
Sign up for a 30-Day FREE Trial now and receive access to all content.
Have a book code?
Submit your book code to create your
FREE standard account.