Diazepam (Rectal)
Diazepam (dye-AZ-e-pam)
Treats a type of seizure called "cluster seizures" in people who have epilepsy. This medicine is used together with other medicines for seizures.
Brand Name(s):Diastat, Diastat Pediatric
There may be other brand names for this medicine. When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to diazepam, or if you are pregnant or you have narrow-angle glaucoma. How to Use This Medicine:
Gel/Jelly
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Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. Never take rectal medicine by mouth. This medicine is not for daily use. After you use the medicine, it is best to wait at least 5 days before using it again. Do not use this medicine more than 5 times per month, unless your doctor tells you to.
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This medicine will need to be given to you while you are having a seizure. A family member or other caregiver will give the medicine to you since you will most likely be unable to give it to yourself. It is very important for your caregiver to understand how and when to use this medicine. Read and follow the patient/caregiver instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you or your caregiver have any questions.
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This medicine comes in a prefilled plastic applicator. Remove the cap from the prefilled applicator before inserting it. To make the applicator easier to insert, use the lubricating gel that came with the medicine.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
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Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
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Use each applicator only once, and then throw it away.
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Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
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Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using Tagamet®, other medicine for seizures (such as Dilantin®, Tegretol®), phenothiazines (such as Compazine®, Phenergan®), an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®), or medicine for depression (such as Effexor®, amitriptyline, Paxil®, Zoloft®).
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, or sedatives).
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Using this medicine during pregnancy could affect your unborn baby. However, it may be important for you to use this medicine to control your seizures during pregnancy. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, breathing problems, glaucoma, or a history of drug or alcohol problems.
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This medicine should be used only for the specific kind of cluster seizure for which it was prescribed. Do not use this medicine for any other type of seizure.
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Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
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Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
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This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
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Increased energy, nervousness, anger, muscle spasms
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Seeing or hearing things that are not there
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Severe confusion, drowsiness, or muscle weakness
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Severe nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, increased sweating
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Skin rash, hives
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Tremors or muscle cramps
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Trouble breathing
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Trouble sleeping
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Unusual or increased seizure symptoms or a seizure that does not stop
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
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Clumsiness, dizziness
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Diarrhea
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
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