Diazepam rectal gel is used in emergency situations to stop cluster seizures (episodes of increased seizure activity) in people who are taking other medications to treat epilepsy (seizures). Diazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by calming abnormal overactivity in the brain.
Diazepam comes as a gel to instill rectally using a prefilled syringe with a special plastic tip. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Before diazepam rectal gel is prescribed, the doctor will talk to your caregiver about how to recognize signs of the type of seizure activity that should be treated with this medication. Your caregiver will also be taught how to administer the rectal gel.
If used regularly, diazepam may be habit forming. Do not use a larger dose than your doctor tells you to. Diazepam rectal gel is not meant to be used on a daily basis. Diazepam rectal gel should not be used more than 5 times a month or more often than every 5 days. If you or your caregiver think that you need diazepam rectal gel more often than this, talk to your doctor.
Put the person having seizures on his/her side in a place where he/she cannot fall.
Remove the protective cover from the syringe by pushing it up with your thumb and then pulling it off.
Put lubricating jelly on the rectal tip.
Turn the person on his/her side facing you, bend his/her upper leg forward, and separate his/her buttocks to expose the rectum.
Gently insert the syringe tip into the rectum until the rim is snug against the rectal opening.
Slowly count to 3 while pushing in the plunger until it stops.
Slowly count to 3 again, and then remove the syringe from the rectum.
Hold the buttocks together so the gel doesn't leak from the rectum, and slowly count to 3 before letting go.
Keep the person on his/her side. Take note of what time diazepam rectal gel was given, and continue to watch the person.
seizures continue for 15 minutes after diazepam rectal gel was given (or follow the doctor's instructions).
the seizures seem different or worse than usual.
you are worried about how often seizures are happening.
you are worried about the skin color or breathing of the person with seizures.
the person is having unusual or serious problems.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's administration instructions.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using diazepam rectal gel if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually use diazepam rectal gel because it is not as safe as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.
Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
drowsiness
dizziness
headache
pain
stomach pain
nervousness
flushing
diarrhea
unsteadiness
abnormal 'high' mood
lack of coordination
runny nose
problems falling asleep or staying asleep
rash
trouble breathing
overexcitement
hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
rage
Diazepam rectal gel may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
drowsiness
confusion
coma
slow reflexes
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will need to examine you about every 6 months to check if your dose of diazepam rectal should be changed.
If you have symptoms that are different from your usual seizures, you or your caregiver should call your doctor immediately.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 08/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.