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What Is Diazepam Rectal Gel Used For?
Diazepam rectal gel is used for people who are already taking a seizure medication, but have occasional periods of increased seizure activity. It can be used anywhere, which helps decrease trips to the emergency room. The medication is approved for use in adults and children as young as two years old. At this time, there are no off-label diazepam rectal gel uses.
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Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat seizures. It is a treatment that can be used at home or anywhere to treat occasional periods of increased seizure activity in people who are already taking other seizure medications. Diazepam rectal gel can also help prevent trips to the emergency room.
Some people with epilepsy have occasional bouts of increased seizures, even though they are taking other seizure medications. Usually, these people end up in the emergency room, which is both expensive and inconvenient.
Diazepam rectal gel is a treatment option that can be used anywhere and can be given by people with no medical training. Not only does this help prevent trips to the emergency room, but it is also a way to obtain treatment quickly, as the medication often starts working within 15 minutes.
Diazepam rectal gel is not intended for daily use. If you have frequent episodes that require diazepam rectal gel treatment (more than one episode every five days, or more than five episodes per month), talk with your healthcare provider. Using the medication too often can make it less effective and may actually increase your risk for seizures.
It is important for you or your caregivers to know when to seek medical attention, even if you are using diazepam rectal gel. If your seizures do not improve within 15 minutes, if your seizures are different than usual, or if you are having breathing problems, seek immediate medical attention.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD