BENZODIAZEPINE

POISONING
SIGNS, SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT
 Introduction of BZDs

Examples of some commonly used BZDs:

Alprazolam, Chlordiazepoxide, Clonazepam,
Diazepam, Estazolam, Lorazepam, Triazolam,
Flurazepam, Midazolam, Oxazepam, etc.

BZDs are commonly known as Sleeping Pills or

Minor Tranquilisers.
 Therapeutic Uses of BZDs

BZDs are Sedative-Hypnotic agents primarily used

as:
Anxiolytic
Muscle relaxant
Anticonvulsant
To treat alcohol withdrawal
Treatment of insomnia
They are administered preoperatively for their
anterograde amnesia effects
Drugs of abuse
 Mechanism of Action

 BZDs potentiate the activity of GABA.

 GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS.
 GABA receptor is a ligand gated ion channel (chloride
channel).
 BZDs bind to a specific binding site on GABA receptor which
facilitates the binding of GABA to its specific binding site.
 BZD binding causes increased frequency of opening of the
chloride channel. Chloride channel opening results in
membrane hyperpolarisation, thereby inhibiting cellular
excitation.
 Aetiology of BZD poisoning

Intentional overdose in suicidal patients

Accidental in combination with other CNS
depressants such as alcohol and opioids
By medication errors
Drug interaction (potentiation) with erythromycin,
isoniazid, centrally acting antihistamines, tricyclic
antidepressants, antifungal imidazoles.
 Symptoms of Acute Toxicity

Lethargy • Hypotension

Nystagmus
• Hypothermia
Diplopia
Amnesia
• Coma
Slurred speech • Respiratory
Confusion Depression
Hypotonia
 Symptoms of Chronic Toxicity

Tolerance and physical dependence may develop

Abrupt discontinuation of BZDs may result in
withdrawal symptoms consisting of anxiety,
agitation, insomnia, tremors, headache and myalgias
In more severe cases nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis,
hyperpyrexia, psychosis, seizures may occur.
 Toxicokinetics

Lipid soluble drugs, absorbed fairly rapidly.

Highly protein bound and volume of distribution

(Vd=1 L/ Kg). Distribute well into CNS.

Most BZDs are hepatically metabolised with a renal

clearance accounting for less than 5%.
Because BZD overdose is rarely lethal, once the
diagnosis is confirmed, most patients require only
observation until metabolism of BZD leads to natural
recovery.
 Supportive Measures

It is the Mainstay of the treatment

Observation of vital signs
IV access with fluid administration to correct
hypotension; catecholamines and dopamine may be
required to increase blood pressure
Maintenance of airway with intubation and artificial
ventilation may be required if respiratory depression
occurs
 Flumazenil

Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist but its use

following BZD poisoning is controversial
Diagnostic use: 0.1-0.2 mg IV may be given to
unconscious patients. A rapid improvement in levels
of consciousness (within 1 or 2 min) is expected in
pure BZD poisoning.
 Treatment with Flumazenil

0.2 mg IV given over 30 seconds; may give a further 0.3

mg after 30 seconds if necessary; further doses of 0.5 mg
may be given at 1 min intervals as necessary; max. 2 mg
total dose.
Flumazenil can be used in patients who are first time or
infrequent BZD users and there are no known
contraindications.
Flumazenil reverses CNS depression but does not
reliably reverse respiratory depression.
Has several contraindiactions and hence risk of
flumazenil often outweigh the benefits.
 Contraindications of Flumazenil

Flumazenil is contraindicated in:

Patients who are on long term benzodiazepines
Patients who have ingested a substance that lowers
seizure threshold, eg, tricyclic anti-depressants
Patients who have tachycardia, widened QRS
complex on ECG.
 Other treatment approaches

Not so useful in case of pure BZD poisoning.

Although BZDs are absorbed by activated charcoal,
gastric decontamination with activated charcoal is not
beneficial in pure BZD overdose.
 Gastric lavage should not be employed routinely because
of the severe risks including hypoxia, lyrangospasm etc.
Enhancing elimination of the drug with hemodialysis or
forced diuresis is unlikely to be beneficial due to large
volume of distribution and high lipid solubility of BZDs.
 Refrences

Encyclopedia of Toxicology
Meyler’s side effects of drugs
Internet ( Wikitox, Wikipedia, Bestpractice,
e-medicine)