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Brand Names: Diastat AcuDial, Diastat Pediatric

Generic Name: diazepam rectal (Pronunciation: dye AZ e pam)

• What is diazepam rectal (Diastat)?
• What are the possible side effects of diazepam rectal (Diastat)?
• What is the most important information I should know about diazepam rectal (Diastat)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using diazepam rectal (Diastat)?
• How should I use diazepam rectal (Diastat)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Diastat)?
• What happens if I overdose (Diastat)?
• What should I avoid while using diazepam rectal (Diastat)?
• What other drugs will affect diazepam rectal (Diastat)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is diazepam rectal (Diastat)?

Diazepam rectal is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Diazepam rectal affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause seizure.

Diazepam rectal is used to treat occasionally increased seizures in people with epilepsy who also routinely take other anti-convulsants. Diazepam rectal is not for long-term daily use to prevent seizures.

Diazepam rectal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

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 inhibitions, no fear of danger;
• depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;
• hallucinations;
• feeling light-headed, fainting; or
• pain or burning with urination.

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, tiredness;
• blurred vision;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination;
• slurred speech;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
• headache;
• skin rash; or
• runny nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about diazepam rectal (Diastat)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to diazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use diazepam rectal if you are pregnant.

Before using diazepam rectal, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by diazepam rectal.

Diazepam may be habit-forming and this medication should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Diazepam rectal should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.