FAT EMULSION AS A VECHICLE FOR DIAZEPAM. A STUDY OF 9492 PATIENTS

Conventional preparations of diazepam for i.v. use contain solventswhich cause pain on injection and thrombophlebitis in a highpercentage of cases. However, diazepam can be dissolved withadvantage in the oleaginous phase of an oil-in-water emulsion(Diazemuls). Diazemuls has been given to 9492 patients withoutserious side-effects. Following i.v. injection, 2435 patientswere studied with respect to pain and clinical effect. Only0.4 experienced pain. The intended clinical effect was recordedin 99% of the patients. I.m. injection of Diazemuls resultedin a significantly smaller frequency of pain in connection withthe injection than did the injection of Valium (7% and 43% respectively).Pharmacokinetic studies have been made after i.v. and i.m. injectionof Diazemuls and Valium. The distribution and elimination phasesafter i.v. injection were the same with both forms. Thus thedrug probably quickly separates from the oil particles of theemulsion after injection. After i.m. administration, the plasmaconcentration shows a wide spread with both preparations. Abrief survey of other substances tested in emulsion form ispresented.