Table 3Symptomatic medications in withdrawal management

SymptomMedicationDoseRouteFrequencyContraindications
InsomniaTemazepam10-30 mgBy mouthAs required, before going to bedBenzodiazepine withdrawal
Promethazine25-75 mgBy mouthAs required, before going to bedBenzodiazepine withdrawal
Nausea +/-vomitingMetoclopramide10mgBy mouth
or
Intramuscular injection		Every 4-6 hours as required up to 3 times per dayDystonic reactions
Prochlorperazine5mgBy mouthUp to 3 times per day as requiredDystonic reactions
Abdominal crampsPropantheline15mgBy mouthUp to 3 times per day as required
Hyoscine Butylbromide20mgBy mouthUp to 3-4 times per day as required for up to 2-3 daysDiarrhoea caused by bacterial infection
DiarrhoeaKaolin mixture15-20 mlBy mouth4 times per day as required
Loperamide4mg initially,
then
2mg		By mouth4mg initially
then 2mg after each unformed stool up to a maximum of 16mg per day
Muscle crampsQuinine sulphate300mgBy mouth2 times per day as requiredAllergy to quinine
Headaches and other painsParacetamol/Codeine phosphate1000mg/16mgBy mouth
Paracetamol/Orhenadrine900mg/35mgBy mouth3 times per day
Paracetamol1000mgBy mouth4-6 hourly as required up to 4000mg per day
Ibuprofen400mgBy mouth3 times per day as requiredGastric ulcer
Gastritis
Asthma
CelecoxibBy mouth
Agitation, anxiety and restlessnessDiazepam5mgBy mouth2-3 times per day, reducing over 3-5 daysBenzodiazepine withdrawal

From: 4, Withdrawal Management

Cover of Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings
Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings.
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