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Diazepam Gel Coupon - Diazepam Gel 2 delivery systems of 10mg package

diazepam gel

Generic Diastat Acudial
Used for Epilepsy
Used for Epilepsy

Diastat, the brand name for diazepam rectal gel, is used to treat seizure clusters (attacks) in people ages 2 years and older with epilepsy. This medication is a benzodiazepine; it works by lowering the activity in your brain. Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) is inserted into the rectum by a caregiver as needed for treating sudden seizure clusters. The most common side effect is sleepiness.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 15, 2024
BasicsWarningsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) is a controlled substance, which means that it's more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
basics-icon

What is Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial)?

What is Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) used for?

How Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) works

Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) is a benzodiazepine that's used as an anti-seizure medication only. It helps a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) work better. GABA helps slow down the electrical activity in the brain. This is thought to control seizures.

Are you looking for information on diazepam liquid (Diazepam Intensol), diazepam tablets or injection (Valium), or Valtoco (diazepam) nasal spray instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsDiastat, Diastat Acudial
Drug ClassBenzodiazepine
Controlled Substance ClassificationSchedule IV
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the risks and warnings for Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial)?

Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

risk-warning

Extreme sleepiness and difficulty breathing, especially when taken with opioids

  • Risk factors: Taking diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) with opioids or alcohol | Taking diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) at higher doses than prescribed

    Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) can cause severe drowsiness and make it difficult to concentrate. After you're given diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial), don't drive or do anything that requires your concentration until you're able to think clearly and are completely alert.

    In addition to extreme drowsiness, diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) can cause trouble breathing and even death if you use it with opioids. Discuss with your prescriber about safer options if you're already taking opioid medications for long-term pain. If none are available, your prescriber will work with you to find the lowest effective dose of your opioid medication and diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) that you can take for the shortest period of time. This helps lessens your risk for extreme sleepiness and breathing problems. Call 911 right away if you have trouble breathing or have trouble waking up easily during treatment.

    risk-warning

    Misuse and addiction

    • Risk factors: Taking with alcohol or illicit substances | Taking higher doses of diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) than prescribed | Taking diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) more often that prescribed

      It's possible to misuse diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial). This means taking the medication differently than how it's prescribed for you. Misusing diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial), especially if you're taking it with alcohol or other medications that slow the body down, can lead to addiction and serious side effects such as dangerous breathing problems, overdose, and even death.

      Take diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional (HCP) and only for the shortest period of time and at the lowest dose needed to treat your condition. Don't start any new medications without first checking with the care team to make sure it's safe.

      risk-warning

      Dependence and withdrawal if used more often than recommended

      • Risk factors: Taking diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) more often than recommended | Taking higher doses of diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) than prescribed | Taking diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) for a long period of time

        You should use diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) only as needed for seizure clusters (attacks). It's recommended to use the medication no more than once every 5 days or 5 times in a month. Using diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) for a longer period of time, at higher doses, or more often than recommended can lead to physical dependence.

        In situations of physical dependence, suddenly stopping diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) can lead to withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal include nausea, diarrhea, muscle pain, and shaking. In very serious cases, it can also include life-threatening seizures.

        Speak with your prescriber first if you want to stop diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial). Your prescriber will give you specific instructions to lower your dose before you can completely stop treatment. This will help lower the risk for withdrawal.

        risk-warning

        Must be given by a qualified caregiver

        Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) should be given only by caregivers who are able to do all the following: They should know when the medication is really needed (seizure attack, which is more than typical seizure activity). They should be able to give the medication properly and make sure it's working properly to treat the seizure attack. And they should know when to call for additional medical help.

        Figure out ahead of time which of your friends or family will be giving diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) to you if you have a seizure attack. If the medication is for your child, make sure you know exactly how to give it; you might need to teach someone at your child's school and daycare in case a seizure attack happens when you're not around.

        The medication comes with a helpful instruction manual that you can share with others. Remember to review this information with caregivers on a regular basis.

        risk-warning

        Harm to unborn baby during pregnancy and after delivery

        • Risk factors: Taking diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) while pregnant

          Let your prescriber know if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. Research found that babies born to mothers who took benzodiazepines like diazepam during pregnancy are at a slightly higher risk of developing birth defects. Newborns are also in danger of having benzodiazepine withdrawal at or within the first month of birth.

          There is a North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry that keeps track of how safe anti-seizure medications are during pregnancy. It's encouraged that you enroll in the registry if you're currently pregnant and you're taking diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) to help researchers learn more about the risks. Enroll by calling 1-888-233-2334.

          basics-icon

          What are the side effects of Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial)?

          The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

          Common Side Effects

          • Sleepiness (23%)

          Other Side Effects

          • Headache
          • Dizziness
          • Diarrhea
          • Difficulty with walking, movement, or coordination
          • Rash

          Serious Side Effects

          Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
          • Dangerously slow breathing: shortness of breath; bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes
          • Severe sedation: drowsiness, slowed breathing, confusion, memory problems, slurred speech, loss of consciousness

          Source: DailyMed

          More on Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) side effects

          Diazepam: side effects diazepam

          8 Diazepam Side Effects You Should Know About

          Written by Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

          The following side effects have also been reported

          Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

          Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

          Less common

          Anxiety

          blurred vision

          changes in patterns and rhythms of speech

          confusion

          cough

          crying

          delusions

          dementia

          depersonalization

          difficulty breathing

          difficulty in speaking

          dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly

          dry mouth

          dysphoria

          euphoria

          false or unusual sense of well-being

          feeling of warmth or heat

          flushing or redness of skin, especially on face and neck

          headache

          hyperventilation

          irregular heartbeats

          irritability

          lack of coordination

          mental depression

          mood or mental changes

          nervousness

          noisy breathing

          paranoia

          quick to react or overreact emotionally

          rapidly changing moods

          restlessness

          seizures

          shakiness and unsteady walk

          shortness of breath

          slurred speech

          sweating

          tightness in chest

          trouble in speaking

          trouble sleeping

          unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

          unusual tiredness or weakness

          wheezing

          Rare

          Bladder pain

          bloody or cloudy urine

          difficult, burning, or painful urination

          fever or chills

          frequent urge to urinate

          increase in body movements

          lower back or side pain

          painful or difficult urination

          pale skin

          swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in neck, armpit, or groin

          unusual bleeding or bruising

          Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

          More common

          Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

          Less common

          Diarrhea

          feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

          hiccups

          lack or loss of strength

          rash

          runny nose

          sensation of spinning

          sneezing

          stuffy nose

          Rare

          Bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of eye)

          increased sensitivity of eyes to light

          itching skin

          loss of appetite

          vomiting

          weight loss

          Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

          Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

          pros-and-cons

          Pros and cons of Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial)

          thumbs-up

          Pros

          A first-choice option for the treatment of seizure clusters

          Works within 10 minutes to treat seizure attacks and delays when another seizure happens

          Can treat children as young as 2 years of age

          Available as a lower-cost generic

          thumbs-down

          Cons

          Not used for long-term seizure control

          Needs to be given into the rectum by another person; can be uncomfortable

          Caregivers need special training to know when and how to give the medication

          Commonly causes drowsiness

          pharmacist-tips

          Pharmacist tips for Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial)

          pharmacist

          • It's important for caregivers to feel confident about when and how to give diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) properly. It's also important to know what to watch for afterwards and when to get medical help. Talk to the prescriber beforehand if you have any questions or feel unsure about using this medication. You might need to show other people how to use it in case you or your child has a seizure attack.

            • Talk to your prescriber if you find that you need to use diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) more than once every 5 days or more than 5 times in a month. This means that the seizures aren't well controlled. Your prescriber will need to adjust your other seizure medications so that seizure attacks happen less often.

              • Seizure attacks can happen at any time, so it's best to have diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) with you at all times. Keep the medication at temperatures between 59 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit.

                • Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) can make you sleepy and dizzy. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration after you're given a dose of medication until you're sure you're completely alert and can think clearly again.

                  • Avoid drinking alcohol if you're prescribed diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial). Mixing alcohol and diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) can cause serious side effects, such as slow breathing and extreme sleepiness.

                    Picking up diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) from the pharmacy:

                    • The pharmacist locks in the prescribed dose of diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) for each of the two syringes in the pack before you pick up the medication. There should be a green "READY" band or sticker on the syringe that tells you that a dose is locked in. You can't change the dose once it's locked in; using force to unlock the syringe can make it break and not work properly.

                      • When you pick up diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) from the pharmacy, take out the two syringes in the pack and look at them closely. Check that the correct prescribed dose shows in the display window or on the dose collar and that there's a green "READY" band or sticker on each syringe. Give the medication back to the pharmacy so they can fix it if the dose is wrong or missing, if you don't agree with the dose, or if you don't see the green "READY" band or sticker.

                        How to give diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial):

                        • First, put the person on their side and get a diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) syringe. Remove the syringe cap by pushing it up with your thumb. Check that the seal pin gets taken off along with the cap. Lubricate the tip with lubricating jelly.

                          • With the person facing you, bend their upper leg forward, separate the buttocks, and gently insert the syringe tip into the rectum. Slowly count to 3 as you gently push the plunger on the syringe down until it stops. Then, slowly count to 3 before you remove the syringe from the rectum. Hold the buttocks together and slowly count to 3 again to prevent the medication from leaking out.

                            • After you give a dose of diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial), keep the person on their side. This position makes it easier for them to breathe and also helps if there's any vomiting. Stay with the person for at least 4 hours and watch for continued seizures or changes in breathing or skin color.

                              • There might be an additional 2.5 mg dose syringe that's prescribed. You can use this additional small dose if part of the prescribed, full dose leaks out of the rectum. Be careful not to get the two doses mixed up. You should only use the 2.5 mg syringe if the full treatment dose doesn't stay in the person.

                                • Use each diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) syringe for one dose only. After you use a syringe, follow the instructions to safely get rid of any leftover medication. Then, throw away the used syringe in a safe place away from children and pets.

                                  • Remember to write down the date and time of the seizure attack and the type and number of seizures that you observe. All of this information is important to share with the prescriber later on.

                                    faqs

                                    Frequently asked questions about Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial)

                                    How long does diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) take to work?
                                    Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) can help stop seizures within 10 minutes after a dose. If instructed by the prescriber, you can give a second dose of the medication 4 to 12 hours after the first dose to control the seizure cluster better. Don't give the second dose any sooner than 4 hours because this can lead to dangerous side effects, like extreme sleepiness and confusion. Call 911 or get medical help right away if the person is still having seizures 15 minutes after you've given diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) to them (or if seizures continue to happen after the second dose).
                                    When do you give diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) for seizures?
                                    Give diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) as needed to treat a seizure cluster (attack). A seizure cluster is a series of seizures in a row that are different than a person's typical seizure pattern. Seizures can be a little confusing, so ask your prescriber if you're unsure about the right scenarios when you need to use this medication. Don't use diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) daily or for long-term control of seizures, since it can lead to physical dependence.
                                    Does diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) cause diarrhea?
                                    Yes, it's possible for diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) to cause diarrhea, but it's not common. In clinical studies, about 2% to 5% of people who took the medication reported diarrhea as a side effect. Stay well-hydrated if you have diarrhea after you've been given diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial). Ask your primary care provider or pharmacist about safe anti-diarrhea medication options for you if the diarrhea continues.
                                    Can you take diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) rectal gel orally?
                                    No, don't place diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) into your mouth or swallow the medication. Only give diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) through the rectum. Contact your prescriber for other available options if you feel that this medication isn't the best choice for you.
                                    Can a non-medical caregiver give diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial)?
                                    Yes. Anyone can give diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) to someone who's having a seizure cluster (attack). But they need to be trained and educated about certain things first. They need to know how to tell the difference between a seizure cluster from typical seizure activity. They also need to know exactly what symptoms of a seizure cluster diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) will or will not treat. And they need to know how to give diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) and how to properly watch the person who's getting treated. Speak with a healthcare professional or your prescriber to learn more about giving diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) if you're a non-medical caregiver.
                                    Does diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) rectal gel need to be refrigerated?
                                    No. You should store diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator. Keep the medication in temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't use the medication and contact your pharmacist or prescriber to get a refill if you think it's been in temperatures outside of this range.
                                    Does diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) rectal gel expire?
                                    Yes, diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) can expire. There should be an expiration date that's written on the medication box and on each syringe. Check the expiration date on the syringe before you use it. Don't use diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) past the written expiration date because it might not work well to help control seizures.
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                                    dosage

                                    Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) dosage forms

                                    The average cost for 1 package of 2 delivery systems of 10mg of Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) is $93.60 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 68.26% off the average retail price of $294.93.
                                    package
                                    Package
                                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                    2 delivery systems of 2.5mg1 package$78.92$78.92
                                    2 delivery systems of 10mg1 package$93.60$93.60
                                    2 delivery systems of 20mg1 package$101.34$101.34

                                    Typical dosing for Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial)

                                    Your prescriber will watch your progress closely. They'll adjust the diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) dose based on how well it's helping symptoms and whether you've having serious side effects from the medication.

                                    The typical dose ranges from 5 mg to 20 mg. The prescriber will calculate the specific dose based on age and weight. The dose is rounded up to the closest strength of diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) that can be given.

                                    Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) is given once into the rectum as needed for seizure attacks. Your prescriber might allow for a second dose that can be given 4 to 12 hours after the first dose if seizures don't go away.

                                    It's recommended to use diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) no more than once every 5 days and no more than 5 times in a month.

                                    interactions

                                    Interactions between Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) and other drugs

                                    Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                                    More on Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) interactions

                                    Health: Diazepam: woman taking-painkillers with glass of water-1190139407

                                    Diazepam Interactions: 7 Things to Be Aware of

                                    Written by Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP
                                    Substance-use: woman searching online about medicine 1286209331

                                    Opioids and Benzodiazepines: Why These Medications Don’t Mix

                                    Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA

                                    Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                                    • Flumazenil

                                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                    drug-cost

                                    How much does Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) cost?

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                                    contraindications-icon

                                    Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) contraindications

                                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) will not be safe for you to take.
                                    images

                                    Diazepam rectal gel (Diastat Acudial) images

                                    yellow - Diazepam Delivery System 10mg Rectal Gel (Twin Pack)
                                    This medicine is Yellow Package.yellow - Diazepam Delivery System 10mg Rectal Gel (Twin Pack)
                                    yellow - Diazepam Delivery System 10mg Rectal Gel (Twin Pack)
                                    This medicine is Yellow Package.yellow - Diazepam Delivery System 10mg Rectal Gel (Twin Pack)

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                                    References

                                    Best studies we found

                                    Bausch Health US, LLC. (2024). Diastat- diazepam gel [package insert]. DailyMed.

                                    Becker, D. A., et al. (2023). Treatment of seizure clusters in epilepsy: a narrative review on rescue therapies. Neurology and Therapy.

                                    Boddu, S. H. S., et al. (2020). A short review on the intranasal delivery of diazepam for treating acute repetitive seizures. Pharmaceutics.

                                    View All References (5)

                                    Cereghino, J. J., et al. (2002). Rectal diazepam gel for treatment of acute repetitive seizures in adults. Journal of the American Medical Association.

                                    National Eye Institute. (2021). Types of glaucoma.

                                    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2024). Epilepsy and seizures.

                                    Oceanside Pharmaceuticals. (2024). DIAZEPAM gel [package insert]. DailyMed.

                                    Tinker, S. C., et al. (2019). Use of benzodiazepine medications during pregnancy and potential risk for birth defects, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2011. Birth Defects Research.

                                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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