Diazepam rectal gel

What is this medicine?

DIAZEPAM (dye AZ e pam) is a benzodiazepine. It is used to treat certain types of seizures.

How should I use this medicine?

This drug is for rectal use only. Do not give it by mouth. Use it as directed on the prescription label. Check that the correct dose and green "ready" band are visible on the syringe before use is needed. If you do not see the correct dose or the green "ready" band on the syringe, do not use it. Contact your pharmacist or health care provider for help.

Wash your hands before and after use. Lubricate the rectal tip of the syringe. Lie the patient on their side with the lower leg straightened out and the upper leg bent forward toward the stomach. Lift upper buttock to expose the rectal area. Gently insert the syringe tip into the rectum and push the plunger slowly until it stops. Wait 3 seconds before removing the syringe. Hold buttocks together for 3 seconds. Keep the patient on their side. Observe the patient for 4 hours. Do not use more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• loss of balance or coordination

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

• suicidal thoughts

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness

• diarrhea

• headache

• stomach pain

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• narcotic medicines for cough

• sodium oxybate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifampin

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat

• certain medicines for depression, like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline, tranylcypromine

• certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole

• certain medicines for psychotic disturbances

• certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, valproate

• cimetidine

• cyclosporine

• dexamethasone

• general anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• medicines that relax muscles for surgery

• narcotic medicines for pain

• omeprazole

• paclitaxel

• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

• theophylline

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medicine is not for regular use.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

This medicine may cause harm and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. Return medicine that has not been used to an official disposal site. Contact the DEA at 1-800-882-9539 or your city/county government to find a site. If you cannot return the medicine, flush it down the toilet. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• glaucoma

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• suicidal thoughts, plans or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

• an unusual or allergic reaction to diazepam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.

This medicine has a risk of abuse and dependence. Your health care provider will check you for this while you take this medicine.