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Flumazenil

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Description

Flumazenil is an antidote used in the treatment of benzodiazepine overdose during critical and emergency situations. It is also used to reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines after surgeries or any other medical procedures where the general anesthesia has been induced with benzodiazepines. This medicine should only be administered by a trained healthcare professional.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Flumazenil

Dizziness

Headache

Shortness of breath

Pain at injection site

Blurred vision

Tiredness and weakness

Increased sweating

Nausea and vomiting

Uses of Flumazenil

What is it prescribed for?

Benzodiazepine Overdose

This medicine is an antidote used in the treatment of benzodiazepine overdose during critical and emergency situations.

Reversal of sedation

The medicine is used to reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines after surgeries or any other medical procedures where the general anesthesia has been induced with benzodiazepines.
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action

    The effect of this medicine can be observed within 1 to 2 minutes of administration of the dose.
  • Duration of effect

    The amount of time for which this medicine remains effective in the body is subject to vary based on individuals.
  • Safe with alcohol?

    Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
  • Is it habit forming?

    No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
  • Usage in pregnancy?

    This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
  • Usage while breast-feeding?

    This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.

Allergy

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to flumazenil, benzodiazepines, or any other inactive ingredients present along with this medicine.

Chronic benzodiazepine user

The medicine is not recommended for patients who are receiving benzodiazepines for control of serious conditions such as intracranial pressure or status epilepticus.

Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.

Breast-feeding

This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.

General warnings

Panic disorder

This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with panic disorder due to the risk of severe adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative might be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.

Liver impairment

This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with liver diseases due to the risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of the liver function is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative might be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.

Missed Dose

Since this medicine is given by a qualified healthcare professional either in emergency situations or postoperatively, the likelihood of missing a dose is very less.

Overdose

Since this medicine is administered either in emergency situations or postoperatively by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very less. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.

Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Instructions

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Interaction with Medicine

Amitriptyline

Nortriptyline

Amoxapine

Clomipramine

Disease interactions

Seizures

This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with seizure disorders due to the risk of severe adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative might be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.

Food interactions

Information not available.

Lab interactions

Information not available.
This medicine should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. All the vital functions of the patient should be monitored closely during treatment with this medicine. The patient should be monitored closely for any undesired side effects.

Miscelleneous

Usage does not depend on food timings

To be taken as instructed by doctor

Effect on sleep is not established

How it works

This medicine works by blocking or reversing the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.

Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Benzodiazepine Toxicity Antidotes

Schedule

Schedule H

[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 4 December 2018]. Available from:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6300/smpc

Flumazenil - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 4 December 2018]. Available from:

https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB01205

[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2018 [cited 4 December 2018]. Available from:

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/020073s016lbl.pdf

Flumazenil [Internet]. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 4 December 2018]. Available from:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470180/

[Internet]. 2018 [cited 4 December 2018]. Available from:

https://www.glowm.com/resources/glowm/cd/pages/drugs/f022.html
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Information on this page was last updated on 25 Apr 2019

Disclaimer

We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.