Sometimes our child or a family member suddenly has a seizure. We know how scared and anxious we feel at that time. Especially if this situation continues, we cannot think of what to do. In such an emergency, a special medicine that doctors recommend to control the seizure quickly is Diazepam Rectal Gel. It is very important to know exactly how to use this. So let's talk about it today.
Simply put, what is Diazepam Rectal Gel?
This is a medicine that is prescribed by a doctor. To be precise, it belongs to the group of medicines called `Benzodiazepine`. Its main function is to calm our nervous system and stop ongoing seizures. This is not a medicine that is taken orally, but a gel that is administered through the rectum in an emergency. Therefore, it works quickly. It is usually found in the market under names like `Diastat`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before giving this medicine
It is imperative that your doctor is aware of these facts before giving this medicine to you or your child.
| Situation to be reported | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma condition | This medicine can increase eye pressure. |
| Kidney or liver disease | These can affect the process by which the medicine is eliminated from the body. |
| Respiratory problems such as lung disease or asthma | This medicine can slow breathing slightly, so it can be dangerous if you already have breathing problems. |
| Suicidal thoughts or depression | In rare cases, this medicine can cause mood changes. |
| Allergy to Diazepam or other Benzodiazepines | This is essential to prevent serious allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | This medicine can affect the baby in the womb and can also pass to the baby through breast milk. |
The correct way to use this medicine
Since this is an emergency medicine, it is very important to know how to use it correctly without panicking. When the doctor gives you this medicine, he will clearly explain how to use it.
Most importantly: This medicine should only be given rectally. Do not give it orally for any reason.
Here's how to do it step by step:
1. Preparation: First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Check the syringe for the correct dose and the green "ready" mark. If not, do not use it and talk to your doctor immediately.
2. Patient Position: Turn the patient (child or adult) onto their side and have them lie down. Keep the bottom leg straight and the top leg bent towards the stomach.
3. Prepare the syringe: Apply a little lubricant to the tip of the syringe. This will make it easier to insert.
4. Inserting the medication: Gently lift the patient's buttock to expose the rectum. Now slowly insert the tip of the syringe into the rectum and press the plunger all the way down.
5. Wait a moment: After pressing the plunger, hold it there for about 3 seconds , then remove the syringe.
6. Final step: After removing the syringe, press the patient's buttocks together for about 3 seconds. This will stop the medicine from coming out. Then, turn the patient on the same side and observe them closely for about 4 hours .
When giving this to young children?
Doctors sometimes recommend this medicine for children over 2 years of age. However, special care should be taken. Ask your pediatrician for exact dosage and other instructions.
What happens if you give too much medicine?
If you suspect you have been given more than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or take the patient to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Diazepam is a powerful drug, so its effects may change with other medications and foods.
| Do not take Diazepam with these! | |
|---|---|
| |
| These things can also cause problems (tell your doctor) | |
| Alcohol | The risk of excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and breathing difficulties is very high. |
| Other sleep-inducing medications | (e.g. allergy medicine, antidepressants, painkillers) |
| Some antibiotics, antifungals, and other medications | Give your doctor a complete list of all medications, vitamins, and even supplements you are taking. |
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- If the seizure does not stop: If the seizure does not stop despite medication, immediately call an emergency ambulance service or take the patient to the ETU.
- Sleepiness and attention:After taking this medicine, the patient may experience excessive drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
- Behavioral changes: If family members notice any unusual changes in the patient's behavior, such as increased depression, or thoughts of harming themselves, inform the doctor immediately.
- Medical ID: If you have a medical condition such as epilepsy, it is very important to always carry a medical ID or card stating this.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, excessive sleepiness, unconsciousness, confusion. |
| Rectal problems | Pain, inflammation, or bleeding at the site after the medicine is given. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, increased depression. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Dizziness | Drowsiness |
| Headache | |
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
This is a powerful medicine, so keep it in a safe place out of reach of children and pets. Protect it from theft as there is a risk of misuse. Do not give this medicine to anyone else for any reason. Doing so is illegal and very dangerous.
Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Do not use or discard after expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Diazepam Rectal Gel is a medicine given to control seizures in an emergency, such as a fit (seizure). It is not a daily medication.
- This should only be used rectally. Do not give it orally. Follow the correct steps as instructed by your doctor.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- The patient may experience excessive drowsiness and dizziness after taking the medicine. Therefore, monitor them carefully.
- If the fit does not stop despite medication, go to a hospital immediately.
- Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children and others. Never share it with others.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 Diazepam Rectal Gel / Diastat is a very specific medicine given for which disease?
This is not an ordinary cream! This is a life-saving emergency medicine (Benzodiazepine) that is administered vaginally/anally to patients with 'seizures/epilepsy', who suddenly have uncontrolled, more severe/continuous seizures (Cluster seizures), and are at risk of dying, to stop the seizure immediately at home before going to the hospital and save their lives.
💬 When you are having a near-death fit, how does this gel (Diastat) stop the brain fit?
A fit occurs because the brain cells send out a sudden, uncontrolled electrical current (action potentials)! If you take a pill, it takes half an hour to work. But when this gel is inserted into the rectum (anus), it is absorbed into the brain through the blood vessels in a matter of minutes. Then it tightens the brake called 'GABA' in the brain by 100% (enhances inhibitory effects)! Then that crazy current in the brain is completely blocked, and the patient's tremors immediately stop and he falls into a deep sleep.
💬 What are the 'fatal dangers' (Black Box Warning) that people using this drug (Diazepam Gel) must be aware of?
The biggest danger is that it slows down the brain to stop the fit, so if you overdose on it or use it with alcohol/other sleeping pills (Opioids), the patient's breathing can stop completely (Fatal Respiratory Depression) and they can go into a coma and die! Also, you can't use it continuously, if you do, you will become completely addicted to it.
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