[Flumazenil. A specific benzodiazepine antagonist].

Flumazenil (Lanexat) is the first specific benzodiazepine-antagonist for clinical use. In several controlled investigations, a significant rapidly commencing antagonistic effect on the central effects of benzodiazepines has been demonstrated. Flumazenil possesses only slight side effects which may easily be treated. The immediate indications for employing flumazenil are reversal of the sedation caused by benzodiazepines in outpatients and treatment of cases of poisoning. In addition, flumazenil could be employed to reverse sedation produced by benzodiazepines during general anaesthesia and prolonged sedation in intensive care units. The following should be observed on employing flumazenil: 1. Flumazenil should be administered by slow meticulous titration. 2. The relatively short half-life of flumazenil provides the possibility for partial return of CNS depression. 3. In cases of mixed poisoning, flumazenil may unmask the effects of possible seizure-producing drugs. 4. Care should be employed in using flumazenil in chronic benzodiazepine abusers.