Local reactions after i.v. injections of diazepam, flunitrazepam and isotonic saline

Local reactions after i.v. injection of diazepam, flunitrazepam and isotonic saline were studied in patients who received extradural analgesia or general anaesthesia. The frequency of thrombophlebitis on the 1st, 3rd and 5th days after the injection of diazepam was 2.1%, 17.0% and 14.9% respectively, after flunitrazepam 10.0%. 10.0% and 14.0%, and after saline 0%, 6.7% and 4.4%. The differences between the groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). One month after the injection 15.6% in the diazepam group, 8.5% in the flunitrazepam group and 9.3% in the saline group had pain or tenderness in the arm used for the injection.