Here is a published BME calculator  https://globalrph.com/medcalcs/benzodiazepine-converter-dosage-conversions/   Narxcare creates what they call an LME (Lorazepam Milligram Equivalent) value and includes it in their Narxcare PDM reports on pts that authorized healthcare professional can pull up reports on pts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a graphic representing the fictitious clinical facts that are starting to hit the fan

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does the Benzodiazepine equivalent calculations have any clinical studies that support its conclusions?

The benzodiazepine equivalent calculations do not have strong clinical studies supporting their conclusions. There are several important points to consider regarding the evidence base for benzodiazepine equivalency:

1. Limited evidence: Unlike opioid equivalence, benzodiazepine equivalence is poorly described in the literature and lacks a robust evidence base[1]. Most equivalence estimates are based on expert opinion, uncited tables in publications, and clinical practice rather than rigorous clinical studies[1].

2. Wide variability: Due to discrepancies in the literature, many benzodiazepine conversions may have potential conversion ranges that are extremely variable, sometimes by a factor of 10x or greater[1]. This highlights the lack of firm, evidence-based literature supporting specific conversion ratios.

3. Limitations of existing data: Much of the published equivalence data comes from alcohol withdrawal settings using oral dosage forms[1]. This limits the generalizability to other clinical scenarios or routes of administration.

4. Lack of standardization: Different sources may disagree on equivalency ratios, leading to the use of dose ranges rather than fixed conversions in many equivalency charts[3].

5. Clinical judgment emphasized: Given the limitations of the evidence, resources on benzodiazepine equivalency stress the importance of clinical judgment, patient monitoring, and gradual dose titration when making conversions[1][3].

6. Some specific conversions better studied: While most conversions lack strong evidence, there are exceptions. For example, the conversion between intravenous midazolam and lorazepam has been well-studied in mechanically ventilated patients[1].

7. Ongoing research: Some studies are evaluating the effectiveness of institutional benzodiazepine conversion protocols, but these are often limited to specific settings like pediatric intensive care units[5].

In conclusion, while benzodiazepine equivalency charts and calculators are widely used in clinical practice, they are not strongly supported by clinical studies. Healthcare providers should approach these conversions with caution, recognizing the limitations of the available evidence and the need for individualized patient care.

Citations:
[1] https://clincalc.com/Benzodiazepine/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7372528/
[3] https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2172250-overview
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4443548/
[5] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326820719_Evaluation_of_IV_to_Enteral_Benzodiazepine_Conversion_Calculations_in_a_Pediatric_Intensive_Care_Setting

Filed under: General Problems