Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much of this medicine is taken for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

To use the oral solution:

  • Measure the oral liquid with the medicine dropper that comes from the package.
  • Mix each dose with water, juice, soda or a soda-like beverage before you take it. You may also mix the liquid with a semisolid food such as applesauce or pudding.
  • Take the entire mixture right away. It should not be saved to use later.

To use the buccal film:

  • Family members, caregivers, and others should be taught on how to give this medicine in case a seizure cluster happens.
  • Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling this medicine so the film does not stick to your fingers.
  • Open the pouch and remove the film. Fold the foil pouch along the solid line. Check where the vertical slit is and carefully tear down the side of the pouch at the slit along the arrow to open the pouch.
  • Remove the medicine from the foil pouch. Stretch either cheek open with one hand and place one film flat against the cheek with your other hand. Do not rub the film into the cheek with your finger. Place the film directly onto the inside of the cheek. Do not place it on the teeth.
  • Remove fingers from the cheek. If the film is spit out or blown out immediately, give another dose using a new film. Do not give this medicine with liquids.
  • Allow the film to dissolve. Do not give another dose if the film is swallowed or chewed.
  • The film will stick to the inside of the cheek and begin to dissolve. Saliva may be swallowed normally while the film dissolves.
  • Take note of the time you first gave the dose and changes in the resting breath rate.
  • Do not give a second dose if you are concerned about the child's breathing, an emergency rescue treatment with breathing help is needed, or there is more sleepiness than normal.

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 oral dosage forms (solution or tablets):
    • For anxiety:
      • Adults—2 to 10 milligrams (mg) 2 to 4 times a day.
      • Older adults—At first, 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
      • Children 6 months of age and older—At first, 1 to 2.5 mg 3 or 4 times per day. Your child's doctor may increase the dose if needed.
      • Children up to 6 months of age—Use is not recommended.
    • For alcohol withdrawal:
      • Adults—10 milligrams (mg) 3 or 4 times for the first 24 hours, then 5 mg 3 to 4 times per day as needed.
      • Older adults—At first, 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor will gradually increase your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For muscle spasm:
      • Adults—2 to 10 milligrams (mg) 3 or 4 times a day.
      • Older adults—At first, 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
      • Children 6 months of age and older—At first, 1 to 2.5 mg 3 or 4 times per day. Your child's doctor may increase the dose if needed.
      • Children up to 6 months of age—Use is not recommended.
    • For seizures:
      • Adults—2 to 10 milligrams (mg) 2 to 4 times a day.
      • Older adults—At first, 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
      • Children 6 months of age and older—At first, 1 to 2.5 mg 3 or 4 times per day. Your child's doctor may increase the dose if needed.
      • Children up to 6 months of age—Use is not recommended.
  • For buccal dosage form (film):
    • For seizure clusters:
      • Children 2 to 5 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. If a second dose is needed, it may be given at least 4 hours after the first dose. Do not use more than 2 doses to treat a single episode. Do not use this medicine for more than 1 episode every 5 days or more than 5 episodes per month.
        • Weighing 26 kilograms (kg) to 30 kg—15 milligrams (mg) per episode.
        • Weighing 21 kg to 25 kg—12.5 mg per episode.
        • Weighing 16 kg to 20 kg—10 mg per episode.
        • Weighing 11 kg to 15 kg—7.5 mg per episode.
        • Weighing 6 kg to 10 kg—5 mg per episode.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age or older than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

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

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Portions of this document last updated: June 01, 2024

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