[The efficacy of the native flumazenil for acute poisoning with benzodiazepines].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy of the native flumazenil for acute self-poisoning with benzodiazepines.

METHODS:

One hundred and twenty-six patients with unconsciousness from benzodiazepines-induced self-poisoning were randomly divided into two groups: flumazenil group(Group II, 63 cases) were treated with flumazenil, and conventional-medicine group(Group I, 63 cases) with placebo(glucose, vitamin C, KCl). A modified Glasgow Coma Scale(MGCS) and Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale(OAA/S) were used in the assessment of consciousness.

RESULTS:

MGCS were increased by 5.3, 8.0, 9.4 and 7.3 at 15 min, 30 min, 60 min and 180 min after intravenous flumazenil(P < 0.01) and by 5.2, 7.7, 8.7 and 6.9 in comparison with conventional-medicine group(P < 0.01). OAA/S increased by 1.9 compared with conventional-medicine group(P < 0.01). No severe side-effects were found in the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Flumazenil might improve benzodiazepines-induced unconsciousness markedly and may be the most effective antagonist of benzodiazepines.

• Authors: X H Zhu, J X Li, F Wang
• Journal: Hunan yi ke da xue xue bao = Hunan yike daxue xuebao = Bulletin of Hunan Medical University (Hunan Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao) Vol. 25 Issue 6 Pg. 576-8 (Dec 28 2000) ISSN: 1000-5625 [Print] China
• PMID: 12516410 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, English Abstract, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Anxiety Agents
• Antidotes
• GABA-A Receptor Antagonists
• Flumazenil

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Anti-Anxiety Agents (poisoning)
• Antidotes (therapeutic use)
• Coma (chemically induced, drug therapy)
• Female
• Flumazenil (therapeutic use)
• GABA-A Receptor Antagonists
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Poisoning (drug therapy)