Reduction of venous sequelae of i.v. diazepam with a fat emulsion as solvent.

Venous sequelae were studied in 93 female patients undergoing minor gynaecological procedures. They were premedicated with diazepam i. v. dissolved in a fat emulsion (Diazemuls) injected to a superficial vein of the right hand. The patients observed the site of injection for 14 days and recorded their findings. Twenty-eight per cent reported mild tenderness and 7.5% mild or moderate swelling of short duration. Signs of thrombophlebitis were found in 2.2%. Thrombophlebitis after injection can be prevented effectively and safely using fat emulsion as a solvent for diazepam.