Alcohol withdrawal
- Benzodiazepines are first-line
- Symptom-triggered dosing is preferred when feasible
- Give thiamine early; correct Mg/fluids as needed
- Phenobarbital is an effective alternative/adjunct
- Seizure/DT risk determines intensity of care
- Do not use antipsychotics as sole withdrawal therapy
Use at a glance
- Benzodiazepines are first-line
Choosing treatment
- Symptom-triggered dosing is preferred when feasible
Practical pearls
- Phenobarbital is an effective alternative/adjunct
Safety / pitfalls
- Give thiamine early; correct Mg/fluids as needed
- Seizure/DT risk determines intensity of care
- Do not use antipsychotics as sole withdrawal therapy
Self-check
- What drug class is first-line for alcohol withdrawal?
Benzodiazepines. - Which withdrawal dosing strategy is preferred when feasible?
Symptom-triggered dosing.
Drugs used for this (5)
All clinical uses · Open Alcohol withdrawal in the interactive console ↗