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Drugs that interact with CYP enzymes may prolong the half-lives of most Benzodiazepines They are rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion.Short-acting (half-life 24 h) eg Diazepam, these generally have pharmacologically active metabolites, accumulate in tissues after multiple doses, and demonstrate impaired clearance in children with liver disease.
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Benzodiazepines can be short, intermediate or long acting:.Sedation can be prolonged and last up to 36 hours.All intentional overdoses require a Mental Health Assessment.įor 24 hour advice, contact Victorian Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26 Background.Close observation and supportive care are the mainstay of management.Pure benzodiazepine overdoses usually induce a mild to moderate central nervous system depression deep coma requiring assisted ventilation is rare, and should prompt a search for other toxic substances.Poisoning – Acute guidelines for initial management Coma Afebrile Seizures Resuscitation Key points
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