Easium 5 mg

Short-term treatment of severe anxiety and of insomnia associated with anxiety. Muscle spasm, acute alcohol withdrawal, and status epilepticus and febrile convulsions (injection or rectal use).

Diazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine that enhances the inhibitory action of GABA in the brain, producing anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant and muscle-relaxant effects.

Anxiety: Adult: 2 mg 3 times daily, increased if necessary to 15 mg to 30 mg daily in divided doses; elderly: half the adult dose. Insomnia associated with anxiety: 5 mg to 15 mg at bedtime. Muscle spasm: 2 mg to 15 mg daily in divided doses. Injection: given by slow intravenous or intramuscular injection by a physician only.

Drowsiness and lightheadedness the next day, dizziness, muscle weakness, poor co-ordination, confusion and impaired memory.

To be used only on the prescription of a registered physician. Causes drowsiness; avoid driving, operating machinery and alcohol. Prolonged use may cause dependence. Must not be stopped abruptly; the dose should be reduced gradually. Use with caution in the elderly, in respiratory disease, in hepatic or renal impairment and in pregnancy and lactation.

Severe respiratory insufficiency, sleep apnoea syndrome, severe hepatic impairment, myasthenia gravis, acute narrow-angle glaucoma and hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines.

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from light. Keep out of the reach of children.