BZD
Medical abbreviation · Drug Class
| Stands for | Benzodiazepine |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
BZD stands for Benzodiazepine, a drug class abbreviation.
Sedative and anti-anxiety drugs, including diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam and midazolam, that enhance the calming neurotransmitter GABA. They treat anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal and insomnia and are used for procedural sedation.
Example: Alcohol withdrawal: BZD per CIWA protocol, lorazepam 2 mg IV for score above 15.
Usage notes
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), the first, appeared in 1960 and diazepam (Valium) in 1963. Combining benzodiazepines with opioids carries an FDA boxed warning for fatal respiratory depression, and a 2020 boxed warning covers abuse, dependence and dangerous withdrawal. Flumazenil reverses them. Often called "benzos"; also written BDZ.
Related abbreviations
More drug class abbreviations
- ATD – Antithyroid drug
- BAS – Bile acid sequestrant
- BB – Beta-blocker
- BiTE – Bispecific T-cell engager
- BL/BLI – Beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor
- BTKi – Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor
- BZRA – Benzodiazepine receptor agonist
- CAI – Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
- CCB – Calcium channel blocker
- CDK4/6i – Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor
- CNI – Calcineurin inhibitor
- COC – Combined oral contraceptive
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.