• 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 73  (2) , 127-130
Abstract
The effect of diazepam on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was studied in a controlled randomized double-blind protocol. Patients (25) received i.v. saline, diazepam 5 mg and diazepam 10 mg on different days. Diazepam 5 mg and diazepam 10 mg caused a mean peak reduction in LES pressure of 18.9 and 37.8%, respectively. The peak reduction in LES pressure was dose-related and lasted .apprx. 7 min. Awareness of diazepam''s ability to significantly lower LES pressure is needed to avoid the possibility of falsely diagnosing reflux by endoscopy. The mechanism whereby diazepam lowers LES pressure is not known but diazepam may be acting as a smooth muscle relaxant since myogenic influences were implicated in the genesis of LES pressure.