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Diastat
Diagnosis & Treatment > Seizure Medications > Diastat > Introduction to Diastat
 

Introduction to Diastat

Diastat (dye-ah-stat) is the brand name used in the United States and Canada for the seizure medicine with the generic name diazepam in the form of a gel that is inserted into the patient's rectum to stop a cluster of repeated seizures. Similar products are available in the UK and elsewhere.

Diazepam was first used in the United States in 1968. The pill form (best known by the brand name Valium, but also available in many generic forms) is too slowly absorbed when taken by mouth to be used to stop a seizure, and is only moderately effective against epilepsy. If diazepam pills are used daily, they become less effective as tolerance develops, and dependence also becomes a problem. Emergency personnel sometimes give diazepam by injection to stop prolonged or repeated seizures. Diastat, the first at-home alternative, was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997.

Forms of Diastat
Diastat is distributed in the United States by Valeant. The name or appearance may differ in other places. The dose will usually be the same. These descriptions apply to the U.S. versions:

Diastat

"Quick-Dose" rectal delivery system (resembling a syringe with a flexible, molded tip):

  • Pediatric: 2.5 mg, 5 mg
  • "Universal": 10 mg
  • Adult: 15 mg, 20 mg

How to use and store Diastat
When they filled their prescription, patients or their caregivers should have received written instructions with pictures showing how to give Diastat. Caregivers should be encouraged to study these instructions carefully right away, so they are not trying to learn the steps during a medical emergency. They should understand the procedure and be comfortable with their role in administering the Diastat.

It is also important for the physician to explicitly state in writing the circumstances under which Diastat should be given to a particular patient, and to give these written instructions to all caregivers who may be administering Diastat to that patient. The instructions should also include what caregivers should look for after Diastat has been given and what to do if the patient condition does not improve as expected.

As shown above, Diastat is packaged in plastic applicators of various sizes, which contain different doses of diazepam. Each "Twin Pack" package contains devices for giving the medication two times. Diastat should be stored at room temperature and has a shelf life up to 3 years.