Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: DIAZEPAM - RECTAL (dye-AZZ-eh-pam)

BRAND NAME(S): Diastat

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication is used to treat certain cases of seizures. This product is only recommended for short-term treatment of actual seizure attacks. It is not for chronic, daily use.

HOW TO USE: This drug is given rectally by a caregiver trained to recognize the symptoms of certain seizures and to correctly administer the product. You and your caregivers are to follow all instructions from your doctor and pharmacist exactly. Review all the administration instructions in the product package and ask questions if you are unclear on any information. The dosage is based on age, medical history and weight. In some cases, a second dose may be prescribed and given 4 to 12 hours after the first dose. It is advised to treat no more than 5 episodes per month and no more than one episode every 5 days with this drug. Do not stop taking your regular seizure control medications when you are given this drug.

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, pain, mental changes, diarrhea and unsteadiness. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Very unlikely but report promptly: unusually slow or difficult breathing, rash, itching. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies (especially drug allergies), glaucoma (narrow angle type), kidney disease, liver disease, lung problems (e.g., asthma, pneumonia), history of substance abuse. Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring mental alertness. Avoid alcohol with this drug, as it may aggravate side effects. Chronic, daily use of this drug could result in the drug not working as well over time. Also, sudden stopping of the drug after chronic use can cause increased seizures or trouble sleeping. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding. This drug is not recommended for children under 6 months old. Caution is advised if this drug is used in the elderly.