Benzodiazepine antagonist (RO 15-1788) in ethanol intoxication: a pilot study.

In 1983, we reported on the excellent efficacy of the benzodiazepine antagonist RO 15-1788 in cases of acute intoxication with diazepam in intensive care medicine. Upon observing a positive effect in a patient who had taken alcohol as well as diazepam a study aiming at establishing the beneficial effect of RO 15-1788 in alcoholic intoxication was started. In the meantime, we discovered a significant amelioration of the cerebral disturbance in patients suffering from hepatic coma by the same benzodiazepine antagonist. The preliminary results of a multicenter study reflecting the beneficial effect of RO 15-1788 in cases of alcohol intoxication will be presented.