Benzodiazepines

• Drug example?

  Diazepam, medazolam.
• What does Benzodiazepines do?

  Provides tranquilization.
• what can it be used with?

  As a pre-med with opioids.
• what patient can it be given alone to?

  very sick patients
• Advantages- characteristics of the drug?

  Safe as has high therapeutic index, has prolonged effect, enhances effect of other anaesthetics.
• Advantages- physiological affects of the drug?

  Minimal effects to CVS and resp. Muscle relaxation. anti-epileptic effect, used for seizure management. diazepam can stimulate cats appetite.
• Disadvantages?

  Unpredictable action. diazepam is painful to administer I/M. used alone in healthy animals cause excitement.