Flumazenil

Flumazenil: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Flumazenil binds to and rapidly displaces benzodiazepines from the benzodiazepine receptor, thereby reversing their sedative and anxiolytic effects within 1–2 minutes.
• The duration of action of flumazenil is short (1 hour), therefore dosing may need to be repeated.

Uses of Flumazenil

• To reverse the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of benzodiazepines such as midazolam and diazepam.

Dose of Flumazenil in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• 0.01–0.1 mg/kg i.v., can be repeated if marked respiratory depression reoccurs.
• It takes 6–10 minutes for flumazenil to reach peak effects after i.v. administration.
• Start at the low end of the dose range.

Side Effects of Flumazenil in Dogs and Cats

• The use of flumazenil has also been associated with seizures in humans receiving long-term benzodiazepine administration for sedation.
• Be prepared to manage seizures should they occur.

Contraindications of Flumazenil in Dogs and Cats

• Flumazenil is contraindicated in human patients suspected of tricyclic antidepressant overdose as it can cause seizures.

Some Notes:

• Can cause seizures in human patients suspected of tricyclic antidepressant overdose.