How to Give Diazepam Rectal Gel to Your Child

At today's visit, the health care provider talked with you about how and when to give your child diazepam rectal gel. This medicine helps to stop some seizures. It is a liquid medicine given in the rectum (where poop comes out). Because you may need to use the gel in an emergency, it's important to know what to do so you're ready if your child needs it.

When you pick up diazepam rectal gel at the pharmacy:

• Tell the pharmacist about all other medicines, herbs, or supplements your child takes.

• Open the box and:

  • Check the expiration date on both syringes.

  • Check that the right dose appears in the window on the side of each syringe and you can see the green "READY" band.

  • Make sure the instructions with pictures on how to use the medicine are included.

At home:

• Read the instructions on how to use the medicine so you're ready if you need to give it to your child. Keep the instructions with the syringes so you can look at them when it's time to use the medicine.

• Keep the medicine where you can get it quickly if you need it:

  • Choose a dry place that doesn't get too hot or too cold (never keep diazepam rectal gel in a bathroom, a car, etc.).

  • Put the medicine where young children can't reach it, like in a childproof or high cabinet.

• Keep a notebook or paper and pen with the syringes so you can write down seizure timing and when the medicine was given.

• Follow the health care provider's instructions for when and how often to give your child diazepam rectal gel.

• Follow the instructions included in the box for how to give diazepam rectal gel.

• Keep giving your child their normal seizure medicines. Diazepam rectal gel is not a replacement for these medicines.

• If your child is in school, talk to the school nurse about keeping a dose there with instructions on how and when to use it.

After giving diazepam rectal gel:

• Keep your child on their side facing you.

• Follow the instructions for throwing away the syringe safely.

• Wash your hands with soap and water.

• Stay with your child for 4 hours to make sure that the seizures stop and to watch for any changes in breathing or skin color or side effects.

• Let your child rest. Diazepam can make kids sleepy.

• You have any questions about when or how to give diazepam rectal gel.

• Your child needs diazepam rectal gel more often than directed.

• Your child is still having seizures 15 minutes after you gave the diazepam rectal gel, unless your health care provider gave you other directions.

• Your child has trouble breathing or turns blue.

• Your child's seizures seem different or more serious than usual.

• Your child was injured during the seizure.

Should I keep giving my child their daily seizure medicines? Yes. Diazepam rectal gel does not replace your child's other medicines.

Why does diazepam gel need to go in the rectum? It is not safe to give medicine in the mouth during a seizure because your child could choke.

Does the diazepam rectal gel syringe have a needle? No. The tip that goes into the rectum is plastic and not sharp.

Does diazepam rectal gel have side effects? Kids usually feel sleepy after getting diazepam. Sometimes kids get a rash, dizziness, headache, belly pain, nervousness, or wheezing. Let your health care provider know if you notice any of these side effects.

When should I give my child diazepam rectal gel? Diazepam rectal gel is used only for kids who have long seizures or lots of seizures. Give the medicine to your child exactly as your health care provider told you.