In this protocol, what is the adult dose of Diazepam for a seizure?

• A. 1 mg/kg IV
• B. 0.5 mg/kg IV
• C. 5 mg IV/IO/IM
• D. 10 mg IV

Answer: (C)

Fixed-dose benzodiazepine management of acute seizures is used so treatment is fast, predictable, and easy to administer in the field. In this protocol, the adult Diazepam dose is 5 mg given IV, IO, or IM. This single, fixed amount provides rapid seizure control without the delays and variability of weight-based calculations, reducing the risk of under- or over-sedation in an emergent setting. IV offers the quickest onset, while IO is a good alternative when IV access isn’t immediately available, and IM is useful if IV access is difficult. Doses that rely on weight or that are larger single amounts (for example, a much higher amount) are not used here, because they increase the risk of respiratory depression and oversedation and complicate rapid decision-making. If seizures persist, the protocol generally allows repeating the 5 mg dose at prescribed intervals up to safety limits.