A patient who developed phlebitis from the intravenous administration of diazepam is described. This episode resolved in two days after treatment with moist heat packs. Three days after complete resolution, the phlebitis recurred approximately eight hours after a single oral dose of diazepam. This recurrence of phlebitis resolved slowly over seven days, with warm soaks and aspirin therapy. Oral diazepam may have exacerbated the initial phlebitis by interfering with a subclinical healing process.
DonaldsonD., GibsonG.Local complications with intravenous diazepam. J Can Dent Assoc1979; 45: 337–41.
2.
MitchellP.F.Diazepam-associated thrombophlebitis: a review and discussion of possible prevention. J Am Dent Assoc1980; 101: 492–5.
3.
DriscollE.J., GelfmanS.S., SweetJ.B., ButlerD.P., WirdzckP.R., MedlinT.Thrombophlebitis after intravenous use of anesthesia and sedation: its incidence and natural history. J Oral Surg1979; 37: 809–15.
4.
GrahamC.W., PaganoR.R., KatzR.L.Thrombophlebitis after intravenous diazepam—can it be prevented?Anesth Analg1977; 56: 409–13.
5.
BrandstetterR.D., GotzV.P., MarD.D., SachsD.Exacerbation of diazepam-induced phlebitis by oral penicillamine. Br Med J1981; 283: 525.
