Alcohol-use disorders: diagnosis and management of physical complications

Recommendations are marked as [2017], [2010, amended 2017] or [2010].

[2017] indicates that the evidence was reviewed and the recommendation updated in 2017.

[2010, amended 2017] indicates that the evidence was reviewed in 2010, but changes were made to the recommendation wording in 2017 that changed the meaning.

[2010] indicates that the evidence was reviewed in 2010.

Recommendation in 2010 guideline

Recommendation in current guideline

Reason for change

In people with delirium tremens, offer oral lorazepam¹² as first-line treatment. If symptoms persist or oral medication is declined, give parenteral lorazepam¹², haloperidol¹³ or olanzapine¹⁴. (1.1.4.1)

In people with delirium tremens, offer oral lorazepam⁷ as first-line treatment. If symptoms persist or oral medication is declined, offer parenteral lorazepam⁷ or haloperidol⁸. [2010, amended 2017] (1.1.4.1)

Olanzapine has been removed because this formulation of olanzapine is no longer available.

Refer patients with decompensated liver disease to be considered for assessment for liver transplantation if they:

• still have decompensated liver disease after best management and 3 months' abstinence from alcohol and

• are otherwise suitable candidates for liver transplantation¹⁵. (1.3.2.1)

¹⁵ See the nationally agreed guidelines for liver transplant assessment in the context of alcohol-related liver disease.

Refer patients with decompensated liver disease to be considered for assessment for liver transplantation if they:

• still have decompensated liver disease after best management and 3 months' abstinence from alcohol and

• are otherwise suitable candidates for liver transplantation. [2010, amended 2017] (1.3.2.1)

The footnote has been removed because these guidelines are no longer available online.