Diastat
Diastat (diazepam rectal gel) is a gel formulation of diazepam, a benzodiazepine, delivered rectally. It acts as a central nervous system depressant and is used as a rescue medication for acute, emergency cluster seizures.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage is calculated based on body weight and age. Recommended pediatric dose (2-5 years) is 0.5 mg/kg, pediatric dose (6-11 years) is 0.3 mg/kg, and adult/adolescent dose (12 years and older) is 0.2 mg/kg. Round up to the next available strength (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, or 20 mg). A second dose may be given 4 to 12 hours after the first dose if necessary. Do not treat more than 5 episodes per month.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients under 2 years of age have not been established.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 2.5 mg
- Frequency
- Single dose; may repeat once after 4 to 12 hours if needed
- Tracking Notes
- Typical dose for patients aged 2 to 5 years. Use under strict medical supervision.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 2.5 mg to 5 mg
- Frequency
- Single dose; may repeat once after 4 to 12 hours if needed
- Tracking Notes
- 5 mg for ages 2-5 (0.5 mg/kg); 2.5 mg for ages 6-11 (0.3 mg/kg).
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 5 mg to 7.5 mg
- Frequency
- Single dose; may repeat once after 4 to 12 hours if needed
- Tracking Notes
- 7.5 mg for ages 2-5; 5 mg for ages 6-11; 2.5 mg for ages 12 and older.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 5 mg to 10 mg
- Frequency
- Single dose; may repeat once after 4 to 12 hours if needed
- Tracking Notes
- 10 mg for ages 2-5; 7.5 mg for ages 6-11; 5 mg for ages 12 and older.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients under 2 years of age have not been established. |
| 5-7 kg | 2.5 mg | Single dose; may repeat once after 4 to 12 hours if needed | Typical dose for patients aged 2 to 5 years. Use under strict medical supervision. |
| 8-10 kg | 2.5 mg to 5 mg | Single dose; may repeat once after 4 to 12 hours if needed | 5 mg for ages 2-5 (0.5 mg/kg); 2.5 mg for ages 6-11 (0.3 mg/kg). |
| 11-15 kg | 5 mg to 7.5 mg | Single dose; may repeat once after 4 to 12 hours if needed | 7.5 mg for ages 2-5; 5 mg for ages 6-11; 2.5 mg for ages 12 and older. |
| 16-20 kg | 5 mg to 10 mg | Single dose; may repeat once after 4 to 12 hours if needed | 10 mg for ages 2-5; 7.5 mg for ages 6-11; 5 mg for ages 12 and older. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used for the emergency treatment of acute repetitive seizures (seizure clusters or breakthrough seizures) in patients who are already on stable regimens of anti-seizure medications.
Generic Name
Diazepam rectal gelScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.