Benzodiazepines (BDZ)

SedatoHypnotics

GABAa Agonists
Allosteric binding on the GABAa receptor

Drugs:

• Diazepam: First choice Anticonvulsives

  • Oxazepam: Appetite Stimulants

• Midazolam: First choice Anticonvulsives, best for hepatic patients
• Alprazolam: First choice Behavior Modifiers (Xanax)
• Zolazepam (+ Tiletamine)
• Lorazepam

Benzodiazepines (BDZ) Antagonists:

• Flumazenil
• Sarmazenil

IV, IM, Rectal, Intranasal
PO: variable F (due to first pass effect)

Pharmacokinetics:

• Very safe (High TI)
  • Good CV effects (Improved CNS perfusion)
  • No adverse effects on blood pressure, arrhythmia, and thermoregulation
  • No amnesia/hypnosis
• Act quickly
• Strong liver metabolism: Strong first pass effect
  • Except for Alprazolam

Effects: SAMA

• Sedation (SedatoHypnotics) No hypnosis

• Anxiolytic (Behavior Modifiers)

• Muscle relaxation

• Anticonvulsives

• Inhibition of Hypothalamus Satiety Centers > Appetite Stimulants (Digestive System ,Behavior Modifiers)

• Improved CNS perfusion

Indication:
SedatoHypnotics (No hypnosis)
Anticonvulsives for status epilepticus
Behavior Modifiers: For phonophobia and agression
Premedication
In combination with Ketamine for Ataranalgesia (Anesthetics)

Adverse effects:
Very hepatotoxic: avoid PO route
Mild respiratory depression
Addictive
Incoordination (ataxia), disturbed depth perception
Paradoxical excitation (instead of sedation) especially in young animals
Appetite enhancement