How Is Flumazenil Administered?

Posted on Fri, 27 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 27 Jan 2017 Answered on

Tue, 28 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, flumaenzil if given Intramuscularly or orally has what effect for benzodiazepine overdose, that is if not given via other than IVenously.
Question will it still exercise its anatagonistic properties?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Has lesser antagonistic properties.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Flumazenil if given orally or intramuscularly has a lower bioavailability- means a lower effect in reversing the action of benzodiazepines. But it is a safer option with lesser side effects. Within 20 min of administration, oral flumazenil is capable of partially reversing some cognitive and psychomotor impairments but the attentional and stimulus discrimination effects of benzodiazepine sedation still remain.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy