Generic name: diazepam rectal (dye AZ e pam)
Brand name: Diastat AcuDial, Diastat Pediatric
Drug class: Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen).
Diastat AcuDial (for use in the rectum) is used to treat occasionally increased seizures (cluster seizures) in people with epilepsy who also take other seizure medicines. This medicine is not for long-term daily use to prevent seizures.
Diastat AcuDial may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Diazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing.
MISUSE OF Diastat AcuDial CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
This medicine is not for all types of seizures. If you are a caregiver, do not give this medicine unless you know how to recognize a seizure that should be treated with Diastat AcuDial.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to diazepam (Valium). You may not be able to use Diastat AcuDial if you have glaucoma.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- glaucoma;
- asthma, pneumonia, or other breathing disorder;
- liver or kidney disease;
- a drug or alcohol addiction; or
- depression, a mood disorder, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Do not start or stop using seizure medication during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using Diastat AcuDial, and for a short time after you stop using it. Ask your doctor when you can start breastfeeding again.
Diazepam is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.
How should I use Diastat AcuDial?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Never use Diastat AcuDial in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of Diastat AcuDial.
Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Diastat AcuDial is usually given by a caregiver to the person having a seizure. If you are the caregiver, make sure you know and understand all instructions for giving the medicine.
Diastat AcuDial is not for all types of seizures. If you are the caregiver, do not give this medicine unless you know how to recognize the symptoms of a seizure episode that should be treated with this medicine.
After giving Diastat AcuDial to another person, stay with the person for at least 4 hours. Watch for changes in breathing or any other side effects.
Get emergency medical help if:
- the seizure has not stopped within 15 minutes;
- the seizure is different from the person's usual seizures;
- the seizures are closer together or more severe than the person's usual seizures; or
- the person has breathing problems, pale or blue-colored skin, or any other serious problems.
Diazepam doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.
Use all seizure medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or stop using a medicine without your doctor's advice.
Call your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating seizures.
Do not use Diastat AcuDial for long-term daily use to prevent seizures or your seizures could get worse or happen more often. You should not use this medicine more than 5 times in 1 month, or to treat more than 1 episode every 5 days.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.
After giving a dose of diazepam rectal, empty the syringe into a toilet and flush, or into a sink and rinse down the drain. Do not reuse the syringe. Throw it away where children and pets cannot get to it.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Diastat AcuDial is used on an as needed basis, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, loss of balance or coordination, limp or weak muscles, slow breathing, or fainting.
What should I avoid while using Diastat AcuDial?
Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.
Grapefruit may interact with diazepam and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Diastat AcuDial will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
Diastat AcuDial side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Diazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have weak or shallow breathing, if you are hard to wake up, or if you stop breathing.
Call your doctor at once if the person receiving this medicine has:
- new or worsening seizures;
- unusual changes in mood or behavior;
- thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
- confusion, hallucinations;
- sleep problems; or
- anxiety, excitement, anger, or feeling restless.
The sedative effects of diazepam rectal may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are using Diastat AcuDial.
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness, dizziness, headache, feeling nervous;
- problems with coordination or muscle movement;
- flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
- stomach pain, diarrhea; or
- rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Diastat AcuDial?
Using diazepam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, prescription cough medicine, or medicine for depression or seizures.
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Other drugs may affect diazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.