Diazepam (Valium) belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines, which have various uses. Diazepam is often prescribed to treat and prevent seizures, to manage anxiety, and to treat alcohol withdrawal. Your doctor may have also prescribed Diazepam for one of the following reasons:
Diazepam (e.g. Valium) is most often taken by mouth as a tablet. It can also be given as an injection or given rectally.
For muscle spasms
Oral
Adult
2–15 mg daily in divided doses, then increase if necessary (in spastic conditions) to 60 mg daily; Adjust the dose according to response.
For muscle spasm in cerebral spasticity or in postoperative skeletal muscle spasm
Oral
Child 1–11 months
Initially 250 micrograms/kg twice daily.
Child 1–4 years
Initially 2.5 mg twice daily.
Child 5–11 years
Initially 5 mg twice daily.
Child 12–17 years
Initially 10 mg twice daily; maximum 40 mg per day.
For anxiety
Oral
Adult
2 mg 3 times a day, then increase if necessary to 15–30 mg daily in divided doses.
Elderly
1 mg 3 times a day, then increase if necessary to 7.5–15 mg daily in divided doses.
For insomnia associated with anxiety
Oral
Adult
5–15 mg daily at bedtime.
For acute anxiety and agitation
Rectal
Adult
500 micrograms/kg, then 500 micrograms/kg after 12 hours as required.
Elderly
250 micrograms/kg, then 250 micrograms/kg after 12 hours as required.
For premedication / conscious sedation for procedures
Oral
Adult
5–10 mg 1–2 hours before procedure; For debilitated patients, use elderly dose.
Elderly
2.5–5 mg 1–2 hours before procedure.
Intravenous injection
Adult
100–200 micrograms/kg immediately before procedure, to be administered into a large vein at a maximum rate of 5 mg/minute.
For sedation in dental procedures carried out in hospital
Oral
Adult
Up to 20 mg 1–2 hours before procedure.
Common side effects of Diazepam include decreased alertness, dizziness and drowsiness, nausea, and sleep disorders. Gait and coordination problems (ataxia) and confusion are more commonly seen in the elderly; whereas respiratory depression may occur with high doses of Diazepam, when combined with opioid medications, and when used intravenously.
Patients should avoid abrupt discontinuation of the drug to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
In Hong Kong, Diazepam is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Diazepam in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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