Flumazenil and suspected benzodiazepine overdose

Abstract

Author, date and country Patient group Study type (level of evidence) Outcomes Key results Study weaknesses Sloan JP et al, 1987, UK 1 85 adult patients with recent (<6 h) open fractures of the distal phalanges Controlled clinical trial Infection rate 30% v <3% No antibiotic v cephradine Suprock MD et al, 1990, USA 2 91 patients with open fractures of the finger Controlled clinical trial Number of infections 4 in each group Surgical irrigation and debridement with or without antibiotics

Pharmacological treatment of sedative and anxiolytic use disorders.

“…Recently, researchers have demonstrated increased interest in flumazenil, a gammaaminobutyric acid benzodiazepine receptor antagonist. Flumazenil has been indicated primarily for the reversal of the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, often in the case of suspected overdose (Thomson, Donald, & Lewin, 2006). Preliminary data indicate that flumazenil can reduce benzodiazepine withdrawal sequelae (Hood, Norman, Hince, Melichar, & Hulse, 2014).…”