Class: Antiarrhythmic, anticonvulsant

Action: Depresses spontaneous depolarization of ventricular tissues and appears to improve atrioventricular conduction. Onset of action is longer than valium.

Indications: Major motor seizures. Status epilepticus. Arrhythmias caused by digitalis toxicity.

Contraindications: Bradycardia, High degree heart blocks, Patients who take drugs for seizures, Hypersensitivity.

Precautions: Elderly. Extravasation should be avoided.

Side Effects: Drowsiness. Headache. Hypotension. Arrhythmias. Itching/rash.

Dosage:

Loading: 10-15 mg/kg IV no faster than 50 mg/min

*Dilute with NS because D5W causes precipitation of the drug.