Plasma concentrations of diazepam and N-desmethyldiazepam in newborn infants after intravenous, intramuscular, rectal and oral administration.

Abstract

Five newborn infants (birth weight 2900--3600 g) were given diazepam (Valium, LaRoche) for convulsive disorders in 4 equal doses intravenously, intramuscularly, rectally and orally with at least 24 hours intervals. Three infants were given doses of 1 mg diazepam/kg body weight, and 2 0.5 mg/kg. The parenteral solution of the drug was given intravenously, intramuscularly and rectally. Powder of tablets was given orally. After intravenous administration very high peak values of plasma-diazepam concentration were obtained (5775--10800 ng/ml after 1 mg/kg, 2750 and 6450 ng/ml after 0.5 mg/kg). Next to intravenous administration rectal administration caused the most rapid increase in plasma-diazepam concentration. Presumed anticonsulsive concentrations (150--300 ng/ml) were obtained within 5 min with 1 mg/kg as well as 0.5 mg/kg rectally. Rectal administration therefore could be a suitable treatment for seizures in the newborn infant. Accumulation of the main depressive metabolite N-desmethyldiazepam occurred in all infants. This phenomenon must be taken into account when repeated doses of diazepam are administered.

• Authors: A Langslet, A Meberg, J E Bredesen, P K Lunde
• Journal: Acta paediatrica Scandinavica (Acta Paediatr Scand) Vol. 67 Issue 6 Pg. 699-704 (Nov 1978) ISSN: 0001-656X [Print] Sweden
• PMID: 362801 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Nordazepam
• Diazepam

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Diazepam (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives, blood, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Infant, Newborn, Diseases (drug therapy)
• Injections, Intramuscular
• Injections, Intravenous
• Nordazepam (blood)
• Pregnancy
• Rectum
• Seizures (blood, drug therapy)
• Time Factors