What is the dose of Valium (diazepam) for an 11 kg child?

From the Guidelines

For an 11 kg child, the recommended dose of diazepam (Valium) is 0.1-0.3 mg/kg per dose, which translates to 1.1-3.3 mg per dose, with a typical dose of 2 mg being reasonable. The dosage of diazepam for children is crucial due to the potential for significant side effects, including respiratory depression, especially when combined with other sedatives 1.

Key Considerations

• The dose of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg per dose is a general guideline and may need to be adjusted based on the individual child's response and the specific clinical situation.
• Diazepam can be administered via different routes, including orally, intravenously, or rectally, depending on the situation, such as seizures, anxiety, or muscle spasms.
• For seizures, the dose may be repeated every 5-10 minutes if necessary, up to a maximum of three doses in a 24-hour period.
• Monitoring for side effects such as drowsiness, ataxia, or respiratory issues is essential after administration.
• The medication's effect is due to its enhancement of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, producing a calming effect.

Administration and Monitoring

• The child should be closely monitored for signs of overdose or adverse effects, particularly respiratory depression.
• The half-life of diazepam in children varies by age, with children 1 month to 2 years having a half-life of 40-50 hours, and those 2-12 years having a half-life of 15-21 hours 1.
• This information is critical for determining the timing of doses and the potential for drug accumulation.

From the FDA Drug Label

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ... PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: ... 1 mg to 2.5 mg, 3 or 4 times daily initially; increase gradually as needed and tolerated The dose of Valium (diazepam) for an 11 kg child is 1 mg to 2.5 mg, 3 or 4 times daily initially, and should be increased gradually as needed and tolerated 2.

From the Research

Dosage Calculation for Valium (Diazepam) in Children

To determine the dose of Valium (diazepam) for an 11 kg child, we need to consider the guidelines for calculating drug dosages in children.

• The study 3 suggests that for children up to 30 kg, the drug dose may be calculated as (wt x 2)% of an adult dose.
• However, the exact adult dose of Valium (diazepam) is not specified in the provided studies.
• Another study 4 mentions that pediatric dose cannot be scaled down directly from an adult using weight (eg, mg/kg), and that pharmacokinetic knowledge is necessary to determine the target dose.
• A study on oseltamivir dosing in children 5 provides specific dosing recommendations for that drug, but does not provide information on Valium (diazepam) dosing.

Available Information on Diazepam

• The study 6 discusses the use of benzodiazepines, including diazepam, but does not provide specific dosing information for children.
• The study 7 compares the actions of diazepam and lorazepam, but does not provide information on pediatric dosing.
• There is no direct information available in the provided studies to calculate the exact dose of Valium (diazepam) for an 11 kg child.
• More information on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of diazepam in children would be necessary to determine the appropriate dose 4.