What is the half-life of Diazepam?

What is diazepam’s half-life?

Diazepam has a long elimination half-life. Typical reported values are about 20 to 50 hours, largely because diazepam is slowly cleared and is metabolized into active metabolites that also persist [1].

Why does diazepam have such a long half-life?

Diazepam is metabolized to active metabolites, especially desmethyldiazepam (nordiazepam), which has its own long half-life. That contributes to the prolonged overall effect and the wide half-life range reported for diazepam [1].

How long does diazepam stay in the body?

Because of its long half-life and active metabolites, diazepam can remain detectable or pharmacologically active for several days after dosing in many people, especially with repeated use [1].

Sources

1. https://www.drugs.com/monograph/diazepam.html