|
USED FOR:
| - |
Intermittent bouts of distinctive seizure clusters in selected patients ages two years and older who are not controlled on their anti-epileptic medication regimen. |
| - |
Adjunctive therapy only. |
| - |
Seizure clusters must be identifiably different from the patient's ordinary seizure activity. |
PRECAUTIONS:
| - |
Diastat is a gel formulation of diazepam (a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant) which is not recommended for chronic daily use as an anticonvulsant. Drug tolerance or dependence and increased seizures can develop if used too frequently. |
| - |
Diastat should only be administered by trained caregivers who can identify characteristic seizure clusters and monitor the patient's response. |
| - |
Inform your doctor if you have glaucoma, liver, kidney, or respiratory problems before you take Diastat. |
| - |
Tell your doctor if you consume alcohol on a regular basis or take drugs or any medicines, including non-prescription. |
| - |
While using this drug, refrain from activities requiring mental alertness or physical coordination (e.g. operating hazardous machines, driving or riding a bicycle). |
| - |
Not recommended for women of childbearing potential. |
| - |
Elderly patients should use caution. |
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:
Depending on the individual, side effects may occur at varying degrees or not at all, including:
| - |
sleepiness (23%) |
- |
weakness |
| - |
headaches |
- |
hiccup |
| - |
dizziness |
- |
euphoria, impaired judgment |
| - |
pain, abdominal pain |
- |
asthma |
| - |
nervousness |
- |
inflamed nasal membranes |
| - |
blood vessel dilation |
- |
rash |
| - |
diarrhea |
- |
respiratory depression (rare) |
| - |
uncoordination, impaired motor skills |
|
|
Allergic reaction/Idiosyncratic
- skin rash (if you notice a rash seek immediate medical help)
- hyper-excited states
If you notice any other unusual or bothersome side effects while using Diastat, consult your physician.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
| - |
Diastat® may interact with alcohol, antidepressants or other drugs that also depress the nervous system |
| - |
Caution is advised in patients taking valproic acid. |
Inform your doctor of any other medicines (prescription and non-prescription) or substances you are taking.
DAILY DOSAGE:
Ages 2-5 years: 0.5mg/kg
Ages 6-11 years: 0.3 mg/kg
Ages 12 and older: 0.2 mg/kg
Diastat® is provided in fixed-dose units. The prescribed dose is determined by rounding up to the next available dosage form. However, for the elderly and debilitated patients, the dosage should be adjusted downward to reduce possible side effects.
- A second dose, when required, may be given 4-12 hours after the first dose if so prescribed.
- Diastat should be used to treat no more than five episodes per month and no more than one episode every 5 days.
SUPPLIED:
Rectal Delivery System-Plastic applicator (with flexible tip available in Pediatric or Adult length) containing prefilled, unit-doses of either 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg or 20 mg
TIPS FOR USING DIAZEPAM RECTAL GEL (Diastat®):
| - |
Dosage should be reviewed at 6-month intervals to reflect changes in patient's age or weight. |
| - |
A 2.5 mg dose is available as a supplemental dose or as a partial replacement dose for patients who may expel a portion of the first dose. |
| - |
Diazepam Rectal Gel should only be administered by caregivers who are able to distinguish which seizure activity it should be used for and have been trained how to administer the treatment and monitor the patient's response. |
| - |
If you notice any bothersome or unusual side effects from Diastat®, check with your doctor or pharmacist right away. |
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature (15 to 30°C), protect from light heat and moisture and keep out of reach of children.
IN PREGNANCY:
| - |
Not recommended during pregnancy unless the clinical situation warrants the risk to the fetus. |
| - |
MotherRisk at (416) 813-6780 can be of assistance in discussing medication risks to mother and fetus. |
| - |
Women who are considering pregnancy should first consult their doctor. |
| - |
Breast feeding is not recommended while on Diastat. |
WARNING:
Diastat is not recommended for chronic, daily use as an anticonvulsant because of the potential for developing tolerance as well as actually increasing tonic clonic seizures. In such cases, abrupt withdrawal may also be associated with a temporary increase in seizures as well as other withdrawal symptoms. When there is a need for reduction, discontinuation or substitution of the medication, this should be done gradually and under the physician's care.
MORE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR MEDICATION
CREDIT:
This drug fact sheet has been reviewed by the pharmacists of the Ontario Pharmacists' Association Drug Information and Research Centre (DIRC).
DISCLAIMER:
The material offered on the website of Epilepsy Toronto is to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. It is not intended to be taken as personal medical advice. Epilepsy Toronto, its employees, Board members, Medical Advisors, volunteers, agents and sponsors do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions or for consequences from the use of information obtained over this site or any links accessed through this site, and is not liable for any outcome or damages resulting from information in its content in either an indirect or direct form. We recognize that each individual's experience of epilepsy is different. Consult your physician, neurologist and/or pharmacist with any questions you have.
Top of the page
|
