A 45-year-old man with alcohol use disorder presents with tremor, agitation, tachycardia, and blood pressure 160/95 mm Hg 12 hours after his last drin...

Question

A 45-year-old man with alcohol use disorder presents with tremor, agitation, tachycardia, and blood pressure 160/95 mm Hg 12 hours after his last drink. He has no seizures or delirium yet. According to Canadian and international guidance, what is the most appropriate initial pharmacologic management?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepine protocol guided by a withdrawal scale (e.g. diazepam or lorazepam)

Answer

Haloperidol monotherapy

Answer

Phenytoin prophylaxis

Answer

Long-term antipsychotic therapy

Answer

Clonidine monotherapy

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Alcohol withdrawal syndrome