Diazepam rectal gel
What is diazepam rectal gel?
DIAZEPAM (Diastat® and Diastat® AcuDial™) is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines belong to a group of medicines that slow down the central nervous system. Diazepam rectal gel treats certain types of seizures (convulsions). Federal law prohibits the transfer of diazepam to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Generic diazepam rectal gel is not available.
NOTE: Inspect the applicator carefully when you get it home from the pharmacy and before you administer it. Small cracks have been noted at the base of the plastic tip of the applicators. This has caused leakage of the medicine when the plunger is depressed, and the full dose may not be administered. If a cracked syringe is noted, notify your dispensing pharmacist to inspect the product. Call your local emergency response center or 911 for help in any seizure emergency.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- an alcohol or drug abuse problem
- bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health condition
- glaucoma
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties
- myasthenia gravis
- Parkinson’s disease
- seizures or a history of seizures
- shortness of breath
- snoring
- suicidal thoughts
- an unusual or allergic reaction to diazepam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Patients/Caregivers should thoroughly read and understand the administration steps for diazepam rectal gel. Follow the directions given to you by your physician.
- NOTE: Inspect this product before you would have to use it. If you notice a cracked syringe, do not use. A broken syringe could result in incorrect dosing. Notify your pharmacist so they can obtain a replacement for you.
If an AcuDial™ syringe is being used, confirm the correct dose by looking at the dose shown on the syringe display window. If the dose shown in the window is not the correct dose, do not use. Call your health care professional. If you have any questions about the medicine, you may call 1 - 877 - 361 - 2719.
Administration steps:
1) Put person on their side where they can not fall.
2) Get the medicine and the syringe. If you are using an AcuDial™ syringe, look for the the GREEN ‘READY’ BAND. If you do not see a green band, do not use the syringe. Call your health care professional.
3) To remove protective cover from syringe, push up with thumb and pull. Both the cap and seal pin need to be removed.
4) Lubricate rectal tip of the syringe with lubricating jelly.
5) Turn person on side facing you and bend upper leg forward to expose rectum. Separate buttocks to expose rectum.
6) Gently insert syringe tip into rectum (rim should be snug against rectal opening) and slowly count to 3 while gently pushing the plunger in until it stops. Slowly count to 3 before removing the syringe from the rectum.
7) Slowly count to 3 while holding the buttocks together to prevent leakage.
8) Keep person on the side facing you, note time given and continue to observe.
9) If an AcuDial™ syringe was used, pull the plunger out and then replace and push in to expel any remaining drug into the sink or toilet.
Diazepam rectal gel should be used to treat no more than five episodes per month and no more than one episode every five days.
Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What drug(s) may interact with diazepam?
- alcohol
- bosentan
- caffeine
- cimetidine
- chloroquine
- disulfiram
- female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
- herbal or dietary supplements such as kava kava, melatonin, St. John’s Wort or valerian
- imatinib, STI-571
- isoniazid
- levodopa
- medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, lorazepam or triazolam
- medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances
- medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
- medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
- omeprazole
- prescription pain medicines
- probenecid
- rabeprazole
- rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin
- some antibiotics (clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, troleandomycin)
- some medicines for colds, hay fever or other allergies
- some medicines for blood pressure or heart problems (amiodarone, digoxin, diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil)
- some medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone)
- theophylline
- valproic acid
- zafirlukast
- zileuton
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving diazepam?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- confusion
- depression
- lightheadedness or fainting spells
- mood changes, excitability or aggressive behavior
- movement difficulty, staggering or jerky movements
- muscle cramps
- problems passing urine
- restlessness
- skin rash
- speech difficulty
- tremors
- weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- difficulty sleeping, nightmares
- dizziness, drowsiness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness; a “hangover” effect
- headache
- nausea, vomiting
What should I watch for while taking diazepam?
Diazepam can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how diazepam affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are receiving diazepam.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 4/12/2006 11:09:00 AM ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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