Which drug is a non-opioid benzodiazepine used as a muscle relaxant and can cause phlebitis when given IV?

Which drug is a non-opioid benzodiazepine used as a muscle relaxant and can cause phlebitis when given IV?

• A. Diazepam (Valium)
• B. Lorazepam
• C. Midazolam
• D. Alprazolam

Answer: (A)

Muscle relaxation from a benzodiazepine comes from central GABA-A receptor effects, and among them diazepam is the one most noted for skeletal muscle relaxant properties in addition to its anxiolytic and anticonvulsant actions. This makes it the best choice when a non-opioid benzodiazepine is sought specifically for muscle spasm relief. When given IV, diazepam can irritate veins and commonly cause phlebitis. This is partly due to its formulation, which uses solvents that irritate the venous lining, so IV administration carries this risk. The other options are benzodiazepines with different primary uses: lorazepam is often used for anxiety and seizures but has less pronounced muscle relaxant effect; midazolam is a short-acting sedative/anesthetic agent rather than a muscle relaxant; alprazolam is mainly an oral anxiolytic and not used for muscle relaxation.

Muscle relaxation from a benzodiazepine comes from central GABA-A receptor effects, and among them diazepam is the one most noted for skeletal muscle relaxant properties in addition to its anxiolytic and anticonvulsant actions. This makes it the best choice when a non-opioid benzodiazepine is sought specifically for muscle spasm relief.

When given IV, diazepam can irritate veins and commonly cause phlebitis. This is partly due to its formulation, which uses solvents that irritate the venous lining, so IV administration carries this risk.

The other options are benzodiazepines with different primary uses: lorazepam is often used for anxiety and seizures but has less pronounced muscle relaxant effect; midazolam is a short-acting sedative/anesthetic agent rather than a muscle relaxant; alprazolam is mainly an oral anxiolytic and not used for muscle relaxation.