Benzodiazepine poisoning

T42.4

• Description
• Diagnostic criteria
• General and supportive measures
• Medicine treatment
• Referral

DESCRIPTION

Young children or toddlers are typically involved in accidental exposure and ingest small amounts of sedatives.
Adolescents may ingest large amounts during suicide, suicidal gesture or for recreational use.

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA

Clinical

• Cardiorespiratory depression.
• Decreased level of consciousness.

Investigations

• Serum drug levels are of no value in the acute treatment phase.
• Urine test: may have medico-legal implications.

GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES

• If there is respiratory depression, intubate, ventilate and transfer.
• Supportive treatment only is necessary in most patients.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

If significant overdose is suspected:

• Activated charcoal, see Poisoning, Treatment .

REFERRAL

• Respiratory depression.