What it means
A benzodiazepine antagonist, a drug that pushes benzodiazepines off their receptors in the brain. It is used to wake clients after sedation with drugs such as midazolammih-DAZ-oh-lamA short-acting benzodiazepine used for sedation before procedures and to stop seizures.Full entry and sometimes for overdose. Its effect can wear off before the benzodiazepine does, so sedation can return. In clients who take benzodiazepines long term or have a seizure disorder, it can trigger seizures.
For the nurse
Watch breathing and level of consciousness for at least a few hours after the dose, because sedation can come back. Have seizure precautions in place. It does not reverse opioids; naloxone does.
At a glance
| Drug class | benzodiazepine antagonist (reversal agent) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Romazicon (older brand; now mostly generic) |
| Spanish | flumazenil |
| Also written | Romazicon |
Related terms
benzodiazepine
A group of calming drugs that slow brain activity, used for anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal and sedation.
naloxone
A drug that blocks the effects of opioids at their receptors.
midazolam
A short-acting benzodiazepine used for sedation before procedures and to stop seizures.