Diazepam Rectubes

What is it?

An anxiolytic preparation which is a long-acting benzodiazepine, available as an emulsion in three different strengths, for use with a rectal applicator, containing 2.5mg, 5mg or 10mg of diazepam, respectively.

Medical Uses

Serious anxiety, agitation, feverish and epileptic fits, muscular spasms in tetanus patients, sedation and premedication.

Dosage

For all conditions, adults, 0.5mg per kg of body weight every 12 hours as required, by rectal route; elderly persons, up to 0.25mg per kg every 12 hours. Children aged over 12 months, dosage depends upon body weight; weighing 10 to 15kg, 0.5mg per kg delivered with the applicator tube inserted half way into the rectum. Weighing more than 15kg, 0.5mg per kg delivered as for adult; all doses can be repeated after 12 hours.

Special Care

Chronic lung insufficiency, chronic liver or kidney disease, depression, glaucoma (acute, narrow angle), bereavement. Drug can affect dexterity and judgement. Long-term use is to be avoided and drug should be withdrawn gradually.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, labour, elderly persons, acute lung insufficiency, depression of respiration (except in cases of acute muscle spasms), sleep apnoea, severe liver insufficiency, myasthenia gravis (a severe autoimmune disorder). Also, when treating anxiety, obsessional states or chronic psychosis.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Alcohol and otherCNS depressants, anticonvulsants.

Known Side Effects

Vertigo, gastro-intestinal upsets, confusion, ataxia, drowsiness, light-headedness, hypotension, disturbance of vision, skin rashes. Also, urine retention, changes in libido. Dependence a potential problem.