Table 3.

Benzodiazepine dosing and metabolism for AWS

Drug	Routes	Onset (min)	PO dosing for AWS	IV dosing for AWS	Half-life (hours)	Metabolism
Diazepam	PO, intravenous, IM, rectal	IV: 2–5	10 mg 3–4 times per day	5–10 mg every 10–15 min	43	Liver
Chlordiazepoxide	PO, intravenous, IM	PO: 30–120	50–100 mg, repeated up to 300 mg in 24 hours	NA	10	Liver
Lorazepam	PO, intravenous, IM	IV: 15–20	2–4 mg q 1 hour	1–4 mg every 5–15 min	14	Liver

AWS, alcohol withdrawal syndrome; IM, intramuscular; PO, oral.