Diastat: Indications, Side Effects, Warnings

Generic name: Diazepam Rectal Gel [ dye-AZ-e-pam ]Brand names: Diastat, Diastat AcuDialDrug class: Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants

Medically reviewed by XanaxStore.RED. Last updated on Nov 13, 2022.

Warning

This medicine is a benzodiazepine. The use of a benzodiazepine drug along with opioid drugs has led to very bad side effects. Side effects that have happened include slowed or trouble breathing and death. Opioid drugs include drugs like codeine, oxycodone, and morphine. Opioid drugs are used to treat pain and some are used to treat cough. Talk with the doctor.

If you are taking Diastat (diazepam rectal gel) with an opioid drug, get medical help right away if you feel very sleepy or dizzy; if you have slow, shallow, or trouble breathing; or if you pass out. Caregivers or others need to get medical help right away if the patient does not respond, does not answer or react like normal, or will not wake up.

Uses of Diastat

It is used to help control certain kinds of seizures. It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Diastat?

If you are allergic to Diastat (diazepam rectal gel); any part of Diastat (diazepam rectal gel); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

If you have any of these health problems: Breathing problems, glaucoma, liver disease, myasthenia gravis, or sleep apnea.

If you have psychosis.

If you have recently drunk a lot of alcohol or taken a big amount of drugs that may slow your actions like phenobarbital or some pain drugs like oxycodone.

If the patient is a child. This medicine may not be for use in all ages of children.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Diastat (diazepam rectal gel).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Diastat (diazepam rectal gel) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Diastat?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take Diastat (diazepam rectal gel). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.

Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how Diastat (diazepam rectal gel) affects you.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Diastat (diazepam rectal gel).

Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.

This medicine is not meant for regular, daily use. Talk with the doctor.

If you are 65 or older, use Diastat (diazepam rectal gel) with care. You could have more side effects.

Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.

This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking Diastat (diazepam rectal gel), call your doctor right away.

Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. This medicine passes into breast milk and may harm your baby.

How is this medicine (Diastat) best taken?

Use Diastat (diazepam rectal gel) as buyed by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Do not use more than 5 times in a month or more than once every 5 days.

Check to make sure the right dose is locked in. You will see a green ready band.

Call the doctor right away if you keep having seizures for 15 minutes after you give Diastat (diazepam rectal gel