Long v short half-life benzodiazepines in the elderly. Kinetics and clinical effects of diazepam and oxazepam
C. Salzman, R. I. Shader, D. J. Greenblatt and J. S. Harmatz
Oxazepam and diazepam were compared in healthy elderly volunteers.
Absorption of diazepam was faster than oxazepam and onset of clinical
effects were more profound. Diazepam accumulation was extensive, washout
was slow and active compounds were present two weeks after the last dose.
Oxazepam accumulation was significantly less and elimination significantly
faster than diazepam. There was no difference between oxazepam and diazepam
in sedation or fatigue during the drug treatment, but sedative effects
persisted for two weeks after diazepam therapy was discontinued. Sedation
rapidly returned to baseline in the oxazepam group. Thus, the differing
pharmacokinetic profiles of diazepam and oxazepam have clinical
consequences during multiple dosage in the elderly.
