What is Diastat Pediatric? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Diastat Pediatric overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Diastat AcuDial, Diastat Pediatric, diazePAM Rectal Delivery System

Generic Names:

  • Diazepam

Uses:

  • Treats cluster seizures in people who have epilepsy. This medicine is used together with other medicines for seizures. This medicine is a benzodiazepine.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anticonvulsant

Forms:

  • Gel/Jelly, Kit

How it’s taken:

  • Into the rectum

What is Diastat Pediatric used for?

Diazepam is a medication used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and a variety of other illnesses. Diazepam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Diazepam is a generic medication also sold under the trade names Valium and Diastat. In 1985 diazepam became available generically. Diazepam is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world.

What form(s) does Diastat Pediatric come in?

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Kit

What are common Diastat Pediatric dosages?

  • Gel 2.5MG

How to take Diastat Pediatric

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Never take rectal medicine by mouth.

  • This medicine is not to be used every day. After you use the medicine for a seizure, it is best to wait at least 5 days before using it again. Do not use this medicine for more than 5 seizures per month, unless your doctor tells you to.

  • This medicine will need to be given to you while you are having a seizure. A family member or other caregiver will give the medicine to you, since you will be unable to give it to yourself. It is very important for your caregiver to understand how and when to use this medicine. Read and follow the patient/caregiver instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you or your caregiver have any questions.

  • This medicine comes in a prefilled plastic applicator. Remove the cap from the prefilled applicator before inserting it. To make the applicator easier to insert, use the lubricating gel that comes with the medicine.

  • Before using the Diastat® Acudial„¢ syringe, make sure you can see the prescribed dose in the dose display window and that it is correct. Also, look for the green "ready" band on the syringe before inserting it. If the dose is not correct, or if the green band is not on the syringe, call your doctor or pharmacist right away.

  • Drop off any unused medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA website for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

  • This medicine is not to be used every day. After you use the medicine for a seizure, it is best to wait at least 5 days before using it again. Do not use this medicine for more than 5 seizures per month, unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Before using the Diastat® Acudial„¢ syringe, make sure you can see the prescribed dose in the dose display window and that it is correct. Also, look for the green "ready" band on the syringe before inserting it. If the dose is not correct, or if the green band is not on the syringe, call your doctor or pharmacist right away.

  • This medicine comes in a prefilled plastic applicator. Remove the cap from the prefilled applicator before inserting it. To make the applicator easier to insert, use the lubricating gel that comes with the medicine.

  • Never take rectal medicine by mouth.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Drop off any unused medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA website for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

  • This medicine will need to be given to you while you are having a seizure. A family member or other caregiver will give the medicine to you, since you will be unable to give it to yourself. It is very important for your caregiver to understand how and when to use this medicine. Read and follow the patient/caregiver instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you or your caregiver have any questions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Diastat Pediatric

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medicine you do not use.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Diastat Pediatric contraindications - Who shouldn't take Diastat Pediatric?

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to diazepam, or if you are pregnant or you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

Diastat Pediatric warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Using this medicine during pregnancy could affect your unborn baby. However, it may be important for you to use this medicine to control your seizures during pregnancy. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, breathing problems, glaucoma, or a history of drug or alcohol problems.

  • This medicine should be used only for the specific kind of cluster seizure for which it was prescribed. Do not use this medicine for any other type of seizure.

  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Trouble sleeping.

  • Unusual or increased seizure symptoms or a seizure that does not stop.

Diastat Pediatric interactions & what to avoid when taking Diastat Pediatric

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using other medicine for seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproate, Depakene®, Dilantin®, Tegretol®), phenothiazine medicines (such as prochlorperazine, Compazine®, Mellaril®, Phenergan®, Thorazine®, Trilafon®), an MAO inhibitor (such as tranylcypromine, Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®), or medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, Effexor®, Paxil®, Zoloft®).

  • Tell your doctor if you are also using cimetidine (Tagamet®), quinidine, ketoconazole (Nizoral®), troleandomycin (Tao®), clotrimazole (Femcare®), rifampin (Rimactane®), dexamethasone (Decadron®), omeprazole (Prilosec®), propranolol (Inderal®), imipramine (Tofranil®), cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®), paclitaxel (Taxol®), terfenadine (Seldane D®), theophylline (Theo-Dur®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Diastat Pediatric side effects - How does Diastat Pediatric make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Tremors or muscle cramps.

  • Unusual or increased seizure symptoms or a seizure that does not stop.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Increased energy, anxiety, nervousness, anger, or muscle spasms.

  • Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there.

  • Severe confusion, drowsiness, or muscle weakness.

  • Trouble sleeping.

  • Severe nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, or increased sweating.

  • Trouble breathing.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Clumsiness or dizziness.

  • Skin rash or itching.

  • Headache.

  • Diarrhea.

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