Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the native flumazenil for acute self-poisoning with benzodiazepines.
Methods: One hundred and twenty-six patients with unconsciousness from benzodiazepines-induced self-poisoning were randomly divided into two groups: flumazenil group(Group II, 63 cases) were treated with flumazenil, and conventional-medicine group(Group I, 63 cases) with placebo(glucose, vitamin C, KCl). A modified Glasgow Coma Scale(MGCS) and Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale(OAA/S) were used in the assessment of consciousness.
Results: MGCS were increased by 5.3, 8.0, 9.4 and 7.3 at 15 min, 30 min, 60 min and 180 min after intravenous flumazenil(P < 0.01) and by 5.2, 7.7, 8.7 and 6.9 in comparison with conventional-medicine group(P < 0.01). OAA/S increased by 1.9 compared with conventional-medicine group(P < 0.01). No severe side-effects were found in the treatment.
Conclusions: Flumazenil might improve benzodiazepines-induced unconsciousness markedly and may be the most effective antagonist of benzodiazepines.