Diazepam is a medicine that is used to stop certain kinds of seizures. Your healthcare provider talked with you about how and when to give your child diazepam gel rectally (in the bottom). It's important to know how to use the medicine so you are ready to give it if your child needs it.

General information:

• Keep giving your child their normal seizure medicines. Diazepam rectal gel is not a replacement for these medicines.
• When you pick up diazepam rectal gel (brand names Diastat® and Diastat® AcuDial™) at the pharmacy, check the expiration date and the green “READY” band on both syringes. Put a note on your phone or on paper so you remember when the medicine expires.
• Read the instructions on how to use the medicine so you're ready if you need to give it to your child. Keep the instructions with the syringes so you can look at them when it's time to use the medicine.
• Store the medicine:
  • Out of sight and out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet or container. It also needs to be in a spot where you and any other caregivers can get the medicine out quickly.
  • Keep the medicine at room temperature. Do not refrigerate it or store it where it can get hot (such as in a car).
• Keep a notebook or paper and pen with the syringes so you can write down when the seizure happened and when the medicine was given.
• Be sure that other adults and caregivers know what to do to keep your child safe during a seizure and how to give the rectal gel.

To give diazepam rectal gel, follow these steps (or the instructions that came with the medicine):

1. Place your child on their side. Be sure they are somewhere they cannot fall.
2. Check that you can see the green “READY” band on the syringe.
3. Remove the cap; ensure the seal pin comes off with the cap (so the medicine can come out).
4. Apply lubricating jelly to the rectal tip.
5. Bend your child's upper leg forward and separate the buttocks to expose the rectum.
6. Gently insert the syringe tip until the rim rests against the rectal opening.
7. Push the plunger slowly while counting to three to give the medicine.
8. Keep the syringe in place and count to three again before removing it.
9. After removal, hold the buttocks together for three seconds to prevent leakage.

After giving diazepam rectal gel:

• Keep your child on their side facing you.
• Stay with your child for four hours to make sure that the seizures stop and to watch for any slowed or troubled breathing, or skin color changes. These are rare but serious side effects of diazepam rectal gel.
• Note the time that the dose was given.
• Follow the instructions for throwing away the syringe safely.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Let your child rest. Diazepam can make kids sleepy.

• You have any questions about when or how to give diazepam rectal gel.
• Your child needs diazepam rectal gel more often than directed.

Your child:

• is still having seizures 15 minutes after you gave the diazepam rectal gel, unless your healthcare provider gave you other instructions
• has slowed or troubled breathing, or turns blue
• is having seizures that seem different or more serious than usual
• was injured during the seizure

Why does diazepam gel need to go in the rectum? It is not safe to give medicine in the mouth during a seizure because your child could choke.

Does the diazepam rectal gel syringe have a needle? No. The tip that goes into the rectum is plastic and is not sharp.

Does diazepam rectal gel have side effects? Kids usually feel sleepy after getting diazepam. Less often, kids can get a headache, diarrhea, or dizziness. These side effects usually go away without treatment by the next day. At high doses or when combined with certain other medicines, diazepam rectal gel can lead to slowed or stopped breathing. Make sure you give only the prescribed dose and tell your healthcare provider if your child takes other medicines.