Which intravenous drug is associated with thrombosis and phlebitis but has a specific antagonist available?

Which intravenous drug is associated with thrombosis and phlebitis but has a specific antagonist available?

• A. Thiopental
• B. Diazepam
• C. Etomidate
• D. Propofol

Answer: (B)

Reversal of the drug’s effects with a specific antagonist is a key factor here. Diazepam given IV can irritate veins and cause thrombophlebitis or even thrombosis at the injection site, yet it has a dedicated antagonist, flumazenil, that rapidly reverses its benzodiazepine effects by blocking the receptor. This combination of vein irritation risk with a specific, readily available reversal agent makes diazepam the best answer. The other IV agents listed can cause venous irritation, but they do not have a widely used specific antidote to reverse their effects quickly.

Reversal of the drug’s effects with a specific antagonist is a key factor here. Diazepam given IV can irritate veins and cause thrombophlebitis or even thrombosis at the injection site, yet it has a dedicated antagonist, flumazenil, that rapidly reverses its benzodiazepine effects by blocking the receptor. This combination of vein irritation risk with a specific, readily available reversal agent makes diazepam the best answer. The other IV agents listed can cause venous irritation, but they do not have a widely used specific antidote to reverse their effects quickly.