If lorazepam is not used, diazepam is given as an alternative; what is the IV dose range for diazepam?

• A. 0.5–1 mg/kg IV.
• B. 0.02 mg/kg IV.
• C. 2–3 mg/kg IV.
• D. 0.15–0.2 mg/kg IV.

Answer: (D)

When choosing an IV benzodiazepine dose, you dose by weight and pick a range appropriate for the specific drug. If lorazepam isn’t available, diazepam is used as the alternative, and the standard IV dose is about 0.15–0.2 mg per kilogram. This range is chosen to achieve rapid CNS effect without tipping into excessive sedation or respiratory depression. For an average adult, that typically corresponds to around 10 mg per dose, though dosing can be guided by weight to stay within the recommended range.

Lower values, like 0.02 mg/kg, would align more with lorazepam dosing, not diazepam, and much higher values (such as 2–3 mg/kg) would risk profound sedation and hemodynamic compromise. The 0.15–0.2 mg/kg range fits the pharmacokinetic profile of IV diazepam and is the standard alternative when lorazepam is not used.