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The role of flumazenil in the critically ill
Author(s) -
PARK G. R.,
NAVAPURKAR V.,
FERENCI P.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
acta anaesthesiologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.738
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1399-6576
pISSN - 0001-5172
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-6576.1995.tb04376.x
Subject(s) - flumazenil , medicine , benzodiazepine , sedation , sedative , anesthesia , pharmacology , critically ill , intravenous bolus , antagonist , bolus (digestion) , intensive care medicine , receptor
Flumazenil is a specific benzodiazepine antagonist. It competitively inhibits the action of benzodiazepines at gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the central nervous system and thus reverses the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. Usually, it is given intravenously as a bolus dose or as an infusion. It has a short duration of action. Flumazenil is extensively metabolized to compounds that have minimal benzodiazepine antagonistic properties. Reversal of sedation can be useful in many conditions that are often encountered in the critically ill. The adverse effects of its use are usually predictable and, with sufficient clinical monitoring, are usually avoidable. These properties make it a useful and safe drug when used appropriately.