Diastat (Diazepam Rectal Gel) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Diastat

Seizure (Epilepsy) »

Introduction

Few experiences match the drama of a convulsive seizure. A person having a severe seizure may cry out, fall to the floor unconscious, twitch or move uncontrollably, drool, or even lose bladder control. Within minutes, the attack is over, and the person regains consciousness but is exhausted and dazed. This is the image most people have when they hear the word epilepsy. However, this type of seizure -- a generalized tonic-clonic seizure -- is only one kind of epilepsy. There are many other kinds, each with a different set of symptoms.

Epilepsy was one of the first brain disorders to be described. It was mentioned in ancient Babylon more than 3,000 years ago. The strange behavior caused by some seizures has contributed through the ages to many superstitions and prejudices. The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek word for "attack." People once thought that those with epilepsy were being visited by demons or gods. However, in 400 B.C., the early...

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Diastat®
(diazepam) Rectal Gel

DiastatAcuDial®
(diazepam) Rectal Gel Rectal Delivery System

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Diazepam rectal gel rectal delivery system is a non-sterile diazepam gel provided in a prefilled, unit-dose, rectal delivery system. Diazepam rectal gel contains 5 mg/mL diazepam, propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol (10%), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium benzoate, benzyl alcohol (1.5%), benzoic acid and water. Diazepam rectal gel is clear to slightly yellow and has a pH between 6.5 -7.2.

Diazepam, the active ingredient of diazepam rectal gel, is a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant with the chemical name 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1 -methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one. The structural formula is as follows:

Diastat (diazepam) structural formula illustration

What are the possible side effects of diazepam rectal (Diastat AcuDial, Diastat Pediatric)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if the person receiving this medication has any of these serious side effects:

worsening seizures, or seizures that seem different from the patient's other seizures;
pale or discolored skin;
confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;
unusual risk-using behavior, decreased...

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What are the precautions when taking diazepam rectal gel (Diastat)?

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines (e.g., oxazepam, temazepam); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain eye problem (narrow-angle glaucoma), a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), breathing trouble during sleep (sleep apnea).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., asthma, pneumonia), brain problems that could...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 1/12/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.