Side Effects of Diazepam Rectal Gel

Although most people do not have problems while taking diazepam rectal gel, side effects can occur. Common ones include drowsiness, headaches, and diarrhea. There are some less common, but more serious, side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider. These more serious diazepam rectal gel side effects include worsening of seizures, signs of an allergic reaction, and asthma symptoms.

Diazepam For Seizures

An Introduction to Side Effects of Diazepam Rectal Gel

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with diazepam rectal gel (Diastat^®). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with diazepam rectal gel. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of diazepam rectal gel side effects with you.)

Common Side Effects of Diazepam Rectal Gel

Diazepam rectal gel has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.

In these studies, the most common side effects of diazepam rectal gel included:

Drowsiness -- in up to 23 percent of people
Headaches -- up to 5 percent
Diarrhea -- up to 4 percent
Coordination problems -- up to 3 percent
Dizziness -- up to 3 percent
Unusual feelings of happiness (euphoria) -- up to 3 percent.

(Side Effects of Diazepam Rectal Gel Continued: Page 2)