Risks and Benefits of Therapy with Flumazenil (Anexate®) in Mixed Drug Intoxications

Abstract

Flumazenil, the first specific benzodiazepine (BZD) antagonist, is one of the most innovative drugs to become available within the last few years. Flumazenil is indicated for the reversal of the centrally depressant effects of BZDs, in BZD-induced anaesthesia, in BZD sedation in intensive care and in patients comatose after drug overdoses including BZDs. A conference of experts experienced in the treatment of mixed drug overdoses by various means, including flumazenil, was held in order to try to reach a consensus regarding the safe use of flumazenil in this indication. From the knowledge and experience gained to date, it was concluded that flumazenil may be useful and safe in the treatment of suspected BZD and mixed drug overdoses, provided that the appropriate precautions are observed.

Exposições tóxicas agudas em crianças: um panorama

“…9,[42][43] Flumazenil Benzodiazepines are among the most widely prescribed drugs around the world and are the major cause of toxic exposure to medications in our setting. 40,[45][46][47] However, benzodiazepine poisoning has an exceptional lethal outcome. 40,[45][46][47] Benzodiazepines act upon the central nervous system by binding to benzodiazepine receptors in the GABA receptor chloride channel complex.…”

“…40,[45][46][47] However, benzodiazepine poisoning has an exceptional lethal outcome. 40,[45][46][47] Benzodiazepines act upon the central nervous system by binding to benzodiazepine receptors in the GABA receptor chloride channel complex. 40,[45][46][47] The major signs of benzodiazepine poisoning are central nervous system depression, impaired CO 2 ventilatory response, and decreased respiratory frequency.…”

“…40,[45][46][47] Benzodiazepines act upon the central nervous system by binding to benzodiazepine receptors in the GABA receptor chloride channel complex. 40,[45][46][47] The major signs of benzodiazepine poisoning are central nervous system depression, impaired CO 2 ventilatory response, and decreased respiratory frequency. 40,[45][46][47] Toxicological urine tests often yield false-negative results, are time-consuming and expensive.…”

“…40,[45][46][47] The major signs of benzodiazepine poisoning are central nervous system depression, impaired CO 2 ventilatory response, and decreased respiratory frequency. 40,[45][46][47] Toxicological urine tests often yield false-negative results, are time-consuming and expensive. 40,[45][46][47] Flumazenil is an antagonist to benzodiazepine receptors.…”

“…40,[45][46][47] Toxicological urine tests often yield false-negative results, are time-consuming and expensive. 40,[45][46][47] Flumazenil is an antagonist to benzodiazepine receptors. In clinical controlled trials, it has proved efficient and relatively safe in patients with CNS depression caused by exclusive benzodiazepine poisoning.…”