Diazepam contraindications

• A. Hypertension, open-angle glaucoma
• B. Hypotension, acute narrow angle glaucoma
• C. Renal failure
• D. Asthma

Answer: (B)

Diazepam should be avoided when there is hypotension or an acute narrow-angle glaucoma episode. The drug can cause further lowering of blood pressure through vasodilation and CNS depressant effects, which can compromise organ perfusion in a patient who is already hypotensive. In acute narrow-angle glaucoma, the risk is from any medication that can alter ocular dynamics and worsen the angle closure; although diazepam isn’t a classic pupil-dilating drug, benzodiazepines are avoided in this setting because managing an acute glaucoma crisis requires careful control of intraocular pressures and minimizing sedatives that can mask symptoms or complicate therapy. Other listed conditions—hypertension, renal failure, and asthma—do not represent absolute contraindications; diazepam can be used with appropriate monitoring and dose adjustments as needed.