Flumazenil
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.
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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
- Reversal of sedation
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 1 to 2 minutes of administration of the dose.
- Duration of effectThe 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
How it works
This medicine works by blocking or reversing the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Benzodiazepine Toxicity Antidotes
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 4 December 2018]. Available from:
Flumazenil - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 4 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2018 [cited 4 December 2018]. Available from:
Flumazenil [Internet]. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 4 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2018 [cited 4 December 2018]. Available from:
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.