Benzodiazepines differ from barbiturates in the following aspects except:: (A) They have a steeper dose response curve, (B) They have higher therapeutic index, (C) They have lower abuse liability, (D) They do not induce microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes
Answer is A. BENZODIAZEPINES (BZDs) BZDs produce a lower degree of neuronal depression than barbiturates. They have a high therapeutic index They have lower abuse liability: tolerance is mild, psychological and physical dependence, drug seeking and withdrawal syndrome are less marked BZDs do not alter disposition of other drugs by microsomal enzyme induction A specific BZD antagonist flumazenil is available which can be used in case of poisoning. The slope of the DRC is also impoant. A steep slope indicates that a moderate increase in dose will markedly increase the response (dose needs individualization), while a flat one implies that little increase in response will occur over a wide dose range (standard doses can be given to most patients). Barbiturates have steep DRC and BZDs have a flat DRC(dose response curve). Ref:- kd tripathi;pg num:-55, 401