Induction of lactic acidosis with intravenous diazepam in a patient with tetanus

A patient with tetanus was treated with high-dose intravenous (IV) diazepam for control of muscular spasms. As the spasms were controlled with diazepam, lactic acidosis developed. The condition resolved on discontinuation of diazepam therapy and recurred with reinstitution of the drug. To our knowledge, lactic acidosis previously has not been associated with the use of high-dose IV diazepam.