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Benzodiazepine in liver disease — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardRenal and Hepatic ImpairmentBenzodiazepine in liver diseaseGPhC CRA

A 52-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C and decompensated liver disease is prescribed diazepam 5 mg three times daily for muscle spasm. He is drowsy at the counter and his partner reports recent confusion. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: E — Withhold supply pending urgent prescriber review because encephalopathy risk is possible

Benzodiazepines can worsen sedation and precipitate or exacerbate hepatic encephalopathy in decompensated liver disease. Existing drowsiness and confusion are red flags requiring urgent clinical review. Supplying further sedative medicine without clarification could cause serious harm.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS