Which medication is the least safe for patients with liver dysfunction?

Study for the ABPN Exam in Psychiatry and Neurology. Use our quiz with multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

Diazepam is the least safe medication for patients with liver dysfunction due to its metabolism primarily occurring in the liver. It undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism, leading to the formation of active metabolites which can accumulate in the presence of liver impairment. This accumulation can result in prolonged sedation and an increased risk of adverse effects, such as respiratory depression and cognitive dysfunction.

In contrast, the other medications listed have differing safety profiles in the context of liver dysfunction. For example, temazepam, lorazepam, and oxazepam are all benzodiazepines that have varying degrees of hepatic metabolism, but they are generally considered safer options for patients with compromised liver function. Oxazepam and lorazepam are especially favored because they are metabolized to a lesser extent by the liver and primarily eliminated via conjugation processes that are less affected by liver disease.

In light of this information, diazepam's significant reliance on liver metabolism and potential for dangerous accumulation makes it the least safe choice among the options for patients with liver dysfunction.

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