Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Diastat AcuDial, Diastat Pediatric

Generic Name: diazepam rectal (Pronunciation: dye AZ e pam)

What is diazepam rectal (Diastat AcuDial, Diastat Pediatric)?

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). Diazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause seizure.

Diazepam rectal is used to treat occasionally increased seizures (cluster seizures) in people with epilepsy who also routinely take other anti-convulsants. Diazepam rectal is not for long-term daily use to prevent seizures.

Diazepam rectal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of diazepam rectal (Diastat AcuDial, Diastat Pediatric)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if the person receiving this medication has a serious side effect such as:

worsening seizures, or seizures that seem different from the patient's other seizures;
pale or discolored skin;
confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior, unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;
hyperactivity, agitation, hostility, depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
feeling like you might pass out; or
pain or burning when you urinate.

Less serious side effects may include:

headache, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness;
sleep problems (insomnia);
slurred speech, loss of balance or coordination; or
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about diazepam rectal (Diastat AcuDial, Diastat Pediatric)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to diazepam (Valium), or if you have untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma.

Before using diazepam rectal, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, asthma, pneumonia, other breathing problems, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).

This medication is usually given by a caregiver to the person who is having a seizure. Not all types of seizures can be treated with diazepam rectal. If you are the caregiver, do not give this medication unless you know how to recognize the symptoms of a seizure episode that should be treated with diazepam rectal.

Diazepam rectal may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while using diazepam rectal for seizures. Do not start or stop using any of your seizure medications during pregnancy without your doctor's advice.

There are many other drugs that can interact with diazepam rectal. Tell your doctor about all medications you use.

Diazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using diazepam rectal (Diastat AcuDial, Diastat Pediatric)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.