Emergency Drugs · Benzodiazepine antagonist
Flumazenil
Dose
0.2 mg IV over 15 s, repeat q1min up to 1 mg total
Mechanism
Competitive antagonist at GABA-A benzodiazepine binding site
Indications
- • Iatrogenic benzodiazepine over-sedation
Contraindications
- • Chronic benzodiazepine use
- • Mixed overdose with TCA
- • Known seizure disorder
Use
Use cautiously — may precipitate seizures.
Monitoring
GCS, RR, seizures, re-sedation (short t½).
Side effects
- • Seizures
- • Re-sedation
- • Arrhythmia
Related in WardRound
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
