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Flumazenil, Injection floo-MAY-zeh-nil

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: benzodiazepine receptor antagonist; antidote

Generic and brand names: flumazenil, injection; Romazicon

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shots). It reverses sedative (drowsiness) effects after surgery or an overdose of certain kinds of drugs.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

  • an allergic reaction to any medicine
  • liver disease
  • panic attacks
  • problems with drug or alcohol dependence, including long time use of benzodiazepines
  • seizures
  • severe head or brain injury

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given by a healthcare provider. It should only be given in a clinic or hospital where you can be monitored closely for side effects such as seizures.

What should I watch out for?

Even after you receive this medicine you may still be drowsy or not able to think clearly. Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 18 to 24 hours after you receive this medicine. Contact your healthcare provider if your drowsiness does not improve or if it gets worse within 2 hours of receiving this medicine.

Do not drink any alcohol or take nonprescription drugs without your healthcare provider's approval for at least 24Â hours after the injections.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Seizures, chest pain, irregular or fast heartbeat, continued drowsiness, trouble breathing.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, headache, pain where injection was given, sweating, flushing, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, anxiety, blurred vision, trouble sleeping, depression.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

  • antidepressants such as amitriptyline, desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin, imipramine (Tofranil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor)
  • medicines for sleeping or anxiety such as alprazolam (Xanax), chloral hydrate, diazepam (Valium), eszopiclone (Lunesta), flurazepam, temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), zaleplon (Sonata), and zolpidem (Ambien)

Do not drink alcohol for at least 18 to 24Â hours after receiving this medicine.

Do not take any nonprescription medicines for at least 24 hours after receiving this medicine. Ask your healthcare provider about this.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.


This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.


Developed by RelayHealth.
Medication Advisor 2012.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2011-04-14
Last reviewed: 2011-04-14
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2012 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
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