Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Apply this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not apply more of it, do not apply it more often, and do not apply it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Never take rectal medicine by mouth. If too much of this medicine is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence) or cause an overdose.

This medicine is not to be used every day. Do not use this medicine for more than 1 episode every 5 days or more than 5 episodes per month.

If a second dose is needed, use it at least 4 to 12 hours after the first dose..

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.

For caregivers administering this medicine:

  • Discuss with the patient's medical doctor exactly when and how to use diazepam rectal gel.
  • Discuss with the patient's medical doctor when you should call for emergency help.
  • Read the instructions that you received with the medicine before you need to use it.
  • Stay with the patient after administering diazepam rectal gel to check his or her condition as instructed by the doctor.

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.

Before using the Diastat® Acudial™ syringe, make sure you can see the prescribed dose in the dose display window and that it is correct. Also, look for the green "ready" band on the syringe before inserting it. If the dose is not correct, or if the green band is not on the syringe, call your doctor or pharmacist right away.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For rectal dosage form (gel):
    • For control of seizures:
      • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
        • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—The dose is usually 0.2 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) body weight.
          • Weighing 88 to 111 kilograms (kg)—20 milligrams (mg) once a day.
          • Weighing 76 to 87 kg—17.5 mg once a day.
          • Weighing 63 to 75 kg—15 mg once a day.
          • Weighing 51 to 62 kg—12.5 mg once a day.
          • Weighing 38 to 50 kg—10 mg once a day.
          • Weighing 26 to 37 kg—7.5 mg once a day.
          • Weighing 14 to 25 kg—5 mg once a day.
        • Children 6 to 11 years of age—The dose is usually 0.3 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) body weight.
          • Weighing 59 to 74 kilograms (kg)—20 milligrams (mg) once a day.
          • Weighing 51 to 58 kg—17.5 mg once a day.
          • Weighing 42 to 50 kg—15 mg once a day.
          • Weighing 34 to 41 kg—12.5 mg once a day.
          • Weighing 26 to 33 kg—10 mg once a day.
          • Weighing 17 to 25 kg—7.5 mg once a day.
          • Weighing 10 to 16 kg—5 mg once a day.
        • Children 2 to 5 years of age—The dose is usually 0.5 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) body weight.
          • Weighing 36 to 44 kilograms (kg)—20 milligrams (mg) once a day.
          • Weighing 31 to 35 kg—17.5 mg once a day.
          • Weighing 26 to 30 kg—15 mg once a day.
          • Weighing 21 to 25 kg—12.5 mg once a day.
          • Weighing 16 to 20 kg—10 mg once a day.
          • Weighing 11 to 15 kg—7.5 mg once a day.
          • Weighing 6 to 10 kg—5 mg once a day.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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