Has twice the affinity for benzodiazepine receptors than diazepam. May be administered IM if unable to obtain vascular access. Medications should never be taken or applied to the skin without first reading the label carefully. All hydrocarbon pneumonias may have serious progression. Severe restriction in pulmonary function, persisting for many years following exposure, has been reported.
Mortality is rare.
Most patients make full recoveries without sequelae. Information regarding proper storage of chemicals is important. All families of victims should be given the telephone number of the local or regional poison control center. On the other hand, use of gastric emptying procedures that may result in aspiration pneumonitis also can be a liability problem. Withholding antibiotic or steroid treatment is difficult if an elevated white blood count is found, but it could result in selection of highly resistant microorganisms.