Diazepam is a benzodiazepine with anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, sedative and centrally mediated muscle-relaxant activity. Its principal emergency application is rapid seizure control. It is also used in balanced anesthesia and selected behavioral or muscle-spasm disorders. Active metabolites contribute to its effects, and the clinical response varies with species, route and concurrent drugs.
Diazepam binds the benzodiazepine site on susceptible GABA-A receptor complexes and acts as a positive allosteric modulator. In the presence of GABA, it increases chloride-channel opening frequency and strengthens inhibitory neurotransmission. The resulting reduction in neuronal excitability suppresses seizure activity and contributes to anxiolysis, sedation and muscle relaxation. Hepatic metabolites retain benzodiazepine activity and can extend the overall effect.
Reduce by 50% if excessive adverse effects. The source’s approximate 1 mg/kg/hour equivalence is rounded; 15 mcg/kg/min equals 0.9 mg/kg/hour.
Behavior modification
0.5–2 mg/kg
PO
Every 4–6 h
Situational anxiety
0.55–2.2 mg/kg
PO
Every 8–12 h
Urethral sphincter relaxation
0.2 mg/kg
PO
Every 8 h
Urethral sphincter relaxation
0.5 mg/kg
IV
Metronidazole neurotoxicity
Reference only
IV
Study protocol used an average 0.43 mg/kg once IV, followed by the same dose orally every 8 hours for 3 days; this is a reported study average rather than a universal exact dose.
Cat
Use / stage
Dose
Route
Schedule
Instructions
Preanesthetic
0.5 mg/kg
IV
Status epilepticus
0.5 mg/kg
IV
As needed
Status epilepticus
0.5–1 mg/kg
IN
As needed
Status epilepticus
1 mg/kg
RECTAL
As needed
Seizure infusion
15 mcg/kg/min
IV
Continuous
Reduce by 50% if excessive adverse effects. The source’s approximate 1 mg/kg/hour equivalence is rounded; 15 mcg/kg/min equals 0.9 mg/kg/hour.
Appetite stimulation
0.2 mg/kg
IV
Short-term use; other appetite stimulants are preferred.
