Which benzodiazepine derivative is used as a tranquilizer, antianxiety medication and anticonvulsant, commonly used with ketamine to induce anesthesia, and cannot be drawn up into a plastic syringe because it absorbs into the plastic?

Which benzodiazepine derivative is used as a tranquilizer, antianxiety medication and anticonvulsant, commonly used with ketamine to induce anesthesia, and cannot be drawn up into a plastic syringe because it absorbs into the plastic?

• A. Alprazolam
• B. Diazepam
• C. Lorazepam
• D. Clonazepam

Answer: (B)

Diazepam fits all parts of the description. It is a benzodiazepine with tranquilizing, anti-anxiety, and anticonvulsant effects, and it’s commonly used to aid anesthesia induction alongside ketamine because of its sedative and muscle-relaxing properties. A practical hallmark of diazepam is its strong tendency to absorb into plastic, so it cannot be reliably drawn up into plastic syringes; it is typically prepared or drawn up in glass containers to avoid dose loss. The other benzodiazepines listed are used for similar indications but do not share this well-known plastic-absorption issue as a defining handling characteristic.

Diazepam fits all parts of the description. It is a benzodiazepine with tranquilizing, anti-anxiety, and anticonvulsant effects, and it’s commonly used to aid anesthesia induction alongside ketamine because of its sedative and muscle-relaxing properties. A practical hallmark of diazepam is its strong tendency to absorb into plastic, so it cannot be reliably drawn up into plastic syringes; it is typically prepared or drawn up in glass containers to avoid dose loss. The other benzodiazepines listed are used for similar indications but do not share this well-known plastic-absorption issue as a defining handling characteristic.