Generic name: Diazepam Rectal Gel [ dye-AZ-e-pam ]
Other brand names of Diazepam Rectal Gel include Diastat, Diastat AcuDial
Drug class: Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 11, 2024.

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 ordered 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), unless your doctor has told you to do something else.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Get medical help right away.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Shortness of breath.
• Change in balance.
• Feeling confused.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
• Memory problems or loss.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• If seizures are worse or not the same after starting Diastat (diazepam rectal gel).
• Muscle spasm.
• Twitching.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Change in eyesight.
• Like other drugs that may be used for seizures, Diastat (diazepam rectal gel) may rarely raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. The risk may be higher in people who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. Call the doctor right away about any new or worse signs like depression; feeling nervous, restless, or grouchy; panic attacks; or other changes in mood or behavior. Call the doctor right away if any suicidal thoughts or actions occur.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Diastat?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling sleepy.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Muscle weakness.
• Headache.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Diastat?

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Store in the case you were given.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time Diastat (diazepam rectal gel) is refilled. If you have any questions about Diastat (diazepam rectal gel), please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer