PREVENTION OF DIAZEPAM-INDUCED THROMBOPHLEBITIS WITH CREMOPHOR AS A SOLVENT

Abstract

In 104 patients undergoing anaesthesia of short duration, two different solvents, propylene glycol and cremophor, were compared in a double-blind trial. Diazepam 10 mg in a coded solution was injected into a superficial vein of the hand using a small-gauge needle. The vein was examined after 14 days. The frequency of thrombophlebitis with propylene glycol was 62.2% and with cremophor 3.4% (P> 0.001). The frequency of pain on injection was also in favour of the new solvent (P < 0.001). The possibility of anaphylactic reactions accredited to cremophor, however, restricts the use of the new injection.