Stesolid

What is it?

A preparation for use rectally, with applicator, which is a long-acting benzodiazepine, available as a solution in single doses containing 5mg or 10mg of diazepam.

Medical Uses

Agitation, acute anxiety, convulsions, status epilepticus in which rapid treatment is necessary but injection intravenously is not desirable. Also, muscle spasm and pre-medication.

Dosage

Adults and children aged over 12 months, for all conditions, 0.5mg per kg of body weight into rectum to a maximum dose of 30mg. Elderly patients, 0.25mg per kg of body weight.

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 Long-term use is to be avoided and drug should be withdrawn gradually.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

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

Manufacturer

Alpharma.