Flunitrazepam in terminal care

Flunitrazepam is a benzodiazepine of long half-life with sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant properties. It has proved effective in controlling terminal agitation, confusion, restlessness, dystonia and fitting in adults and can be given by subcutaneous infusion in combination with other drugs. Its use in children during their terminal illness is described. Good symptom control without excessive sedation was achieved over the 24 h prior to death.