Experience with lower dose flumazenil at an academic medical center

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are frequently used in self-poisonings [1]. Flumazenil effects for BZD reversal are dose-dependent and higher doses are often used to achieve desired outcomes. However, higher doses are associated with increased risk of seizures, cardiac dysrhythmias, and other adverse drug effects (ADEs) [2,3]. Multidrug intoxications involving tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), stimulants, ethanol, anticonvulsants, propoxyphene, barbiturates, and other anxiolytics increase the frequency of significant ADEs from flumazenil [1-6].

Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - February 4, 2021 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Rachel F. Schult, Deena Omar, Timothy J. Wiegand, Rachel M. Gordetsky, Nicole M. Acquisto Source Type: research