Diazepam: intramuscular or intravenous administration

Jul 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My child has epilepsy and experienced a generalized seizure. After we rushed him to the hospital, the doctor recommended an injection of diazepam. May I ask, should diazepam be administered by intramuscular injection or intravenous injection?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Diazepam, as a sedative-hypnotic and anti-anxiety medication, can be administered via two routes: intramuscular injection (IM) and intravenous injection (IV), with the choice depending on the specific clinical situation: 1. **Intramuscular Diazepam**: This route is suitable for patients requiring prolonged drug effects or when intravenous access is difficult to establish. Following IM administration, the drug is absorbed gradually, resulting in a relatively mild effect. However, its onset of action is slower compared to intravenous administration. 2. **Intravenous Diazepam**: In emergency situations, such as status epilepticus or severe anxiety requiring rapid control, intravenous administration is more appropriate. It allows rapid entry into the bloodstream and quick onset of action. However, careful attention must be paid to the administration rate and dosage to avoid adverse reactions. Patients should strictly follow medical instructions when using diazepam and the appropriate route of administration should be selected based on their clinical condition. If any discomfort occurs during treatment, prompt medical attention is recommended.