About Diazepam rectal

This belongs to the group of medicines known as benzodiazepines.

Benzodiazepines can be used to stop convulsions (fits), to relax muscles and to calm and relax generally.

Diazepam rectal preparations are used to treat severe anxiety (worry), agitation and convulsions caused by epilepsy or fever. Diazepam rectal preparations are useful if a quick effect is needed or when it is not possible to administer the medicine by mouth.

Diazepam for rectal administration is available in rectal tube and suppository form.

It is also sometimes known as: Rectubes; Stesolid; Valclair. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking Diazepam rectal

Before using any of this medicine make sure the patient's doctor or pharmacist knows if the patient:

• is pregnant or breast-feeding
• suffers from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease)
• suffers from liver, kidney or respiratory (breathing) problems including sleep apnoea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep)
• suffers from porphyria (a blood disorder)
• has ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• is taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take Diazepam rectal

If possible check if the patient wants to go to the toilet first. Try to lie the patient on their side. Draw their knees up towards their chest, with one leg drawn up more than the other.

Using rectal tubes:

1. Remove the cap from the rectal tube.
2. Insert the tube into the anus (back passage) as far as the mark on the nozzle. NOTE: If this medicine is for a child under 3 years of age, the tube should be inserted only half way between the mark and the tip of the nozzle.
3. Empty the contents completely by squeezing the tube between the index finger and thumb.
4. When the tube is empty, remove it from the anus and throw away.
5. After giving the dose, lower the patient's legs to a comfortable position to help hold the medicine in place. The patient may feel an immediate urge to go to the toilet. Encourage them to ignore this.
6. If no effect is seen after 5 minutes, one further tube may be used. Speak with a doctor if no effect is seen after the second tube has been used. Never give more than two doses without medical advice.

Using suppositories:

1. Remove any wrapping from the suppository.
2. Gently insert the suppository into the anus (back passage), pointed end first, as far as it will go.
3. If the suppository comes out immediately, it was not inserted far enough, and it should be reinserted.
4. After giving the dose, lower the patient's legs to a comfortable position to help hold the medicine in place. The patient may feel an immediate urge to go to the toilet. Encourage them to ignore this.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Suppositories are usually easier to insert if they have been stored in the fridge.
• Keep regular appointments with the patient's doctor so that progress can be checked.
• After using this medicine many people feel drowsy, dizzy, light-headed, clumsy, unsteady or less alert than normal. This feeling can carry on the following day. The patient should avoid jobs that require them to be fully alert, like driving or operating machinery until any drowsiness has disappeared.
• This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol or other sedating medicines. The patient should avoid drinking alcohol until the effect of this medicine has worn off.
• If you think that the patient or someone else has been given an overdose of this medicine contact a doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of the nearest hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible. Signs of overdose include persistent slurred speech, confusion, severe drowsiness and excessive weakness.

Can Diazepam rectal cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, these usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Muscle weakness, headache, diarrhoea, constipation, tummy pain, problems with eyesight, shakiness, sexual problems, urine problems, skin rashes, confusion, forgetfulness or occasionally aggression.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Diazepam rectal

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Do not keep any out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 02/04/2003   

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