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What is Flumazenil, what is the composition of the preparation and its main application? Are there any contraindications to the use of the drug? Flumazenil is a competitive antagonist of the benzodiazepine receptor, the main task of the preparation is to reverse the effects of benzodiazepine derivatives, mainly psychomotor impairment and sedation.
Flumazenil is an organic chemical compound that is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist. It is a form of antidote to an overdose of benzodiazepines, because the active substance of the preparation very quickly reverses the effects of all benzodiazepine derivatives. Flumazenil was first introduced into medicine in 1987 by Hoffmann-La Roche.
Flumazenil – application
Flumazenil is an injectable preparation, one ampoule is 0,5 mg of flumazenil. What is the main use of Flumazenil? Within 60 seconds, the active substance of the agent reverses the action of the benzodiazepine derivatives, mainly sedation and impaired psychomotor performance. Flumazenil affects memory impairment to a lesser extent, as well as respiratory depression. Flumazenil does not reverse the effects of ethanol, barbiturates, opioids and general anesthetics.
The preparation is half bound to plasma proteins. The rest of the substance of the agent is metabolized in the liver, the process time may be extended in patients with impaired liver function. Elimination is already via non-renal routes.
Flumazenil – precautions
Flumazenil can not be given to everyone, there are contraindications to the use of the agent. First of all, Flumazenil cannot be administered to patients who are allergic or hypersensitive to any of the ingredients of the preparation. Contraindication to the use of the preparation is:
- epilepsy, because the active substance of the preparation may cause additional epileptic reactions
- caution should be exercised when administering the agent to people with head trauma as seizures or cerebral flow disorders may occur
- It is not recommended to use Flumazenil in people addicted to alcohol, psychoactive substances
- Flumazenil must not be combined with muscle relaxants
- Flumazenil is contraindicated in diagnosed severe poisoning, anticholinergic symptoms, and movement disorders
Flumazenil may interact with other drugs, therefore special care should be taken in patients taking drugs:
- depressant on the CNS
- acting on the benzodiazepine receptor
- tricyclic antidepressants
The preparation may cause side effects and side effects in the patient:
- nausea and vomiting may occur during anesthesia
- sleep disturbance
- dizziness and headache
- blush
- increased tearing
- pain at the injection site
- hypotension or orthostatic hypotension
- dry mouth
- sweating
- hiccup
- hyperventilation
- speech disorders
- hearing impairment
- pain in the chest
- tachycardia or bradycardia
If the patient wakes up too quickly, they may become over-agitated, feel anxious, and may develop panic attacks. Flumazenil may only be administered by a qualified physician, an anaesthesiologist.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.