26
Treatment – Inpatient
(7) A2AAs and beta-blockers
Î Recommendation V.36: Alpha2-adrenergic agonists (AA2s) such
as clonidine and dexmedetomidine can be used as an adjunct to
benzodiazepine therapy to control autonomic hyperactivity and anxiety
when these signs are not controlled by benzodiazepines alone. They
should not be used alone to prevent or treat withdrawal-related
seizures or delirium.
Î Recommendation V.37: Beta-adrenergic antagonists (beta-blockers)
can be used as an adjunct to benzodiazepines in select patients for
control of persistent hypertension or tachycardia when these signs are
not controlled by benzodiazepines alone. They should not be used to
prevent or treat alcohol withdrawal seizures.
(8) Inappropriate medications
Î Recommendation V.38: Oral or intravenous alcohol should not be used
for the prevention or treatment of alcohol withdrawal.
Î Recommendation V.39: There is insufficient evidence to support the
use of baclofen for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal.
Î Recommendation V.40: Providing magnesium as a prophylaxis or
treatment for alcohol withdrawal management has no supporting
evidence.
