Diazepam, Rectal
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Diazepam, Rectal during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to answer common questions. It does not include every detail about this medicine. It is not a replacement for the medical guidance you receive from your veterinary care team.
Description
This medicine belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. In simple terms, Diazepam, Rectal is used to help stop seizures.
It is supplied as a liquid that is normally used for injections, but it can be given into the rectum (back passage).
Other common names
- Diastat
- Valium
Uses
Your veterinarian may choose to use it in animals or other species in a way that is not specifically listed on the human label (this is called “extra-label” use), such as:
- Stopping seizures in dogs
This medicine is used to stop a seizure that is happening right now. It does not take the place of any daily seizure-control medicines your animal may already be taking.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is using
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before
- Any bad reactions or side effects your animal has had from medicines in the past
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medicine in animals:
- That have had an allergy to this medicine or to other benzodiazepines
- That have serious liver disease
Use extra care (use with caution) in:
- Cats
- Animals that have liver or kidney disease
- Animals that have glaucoma
- Older animals, or animals that are weak or in poor condition
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules and requirements while your animal is taking any medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Diazepam may be given into the rectum to stop seizures.
- Use this medicine only the way your veterinarian told you to. This includes exactly when to use it and the highest number of times it may be given in one day.
- Before an emergency happens, make sure you understand how to get the dose ready and how to give it.
- After using needles, put them into a sharps container right away.
- Possible side effects include sleepiness and trouble with steady movement.
- Call your veterinarian if your animal’s seizure gets worse, or if the seizure does not stop within a few minutes after you give this medicine.
- This is a controlled substance. It must be used only for the animal it was prescribed for. Giving it to someone else or selling it is against the law.
- Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
- Be careful to avoid needle sticks. A needle stick can cause pain and infection. If you get stuck by a needle, contact your doctor.
- Follow your veterinarian’s directions closely so you do not get bitten by your animal during a seizure.
How do I give this medication?
- Give this medicine exactly as your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow the directions on the prescription label.
- This medicine is supplied as a liquid meant for injection, but you must not inject it into your animal.
- Use it only when your veterinarian told you to, and do not go over the maximum number of doses allowed in a day.
- Keep everything you need together in one kit so it is ready when you need it.
Supplies needed include:
- Diazepam vial
- Syringes
- Needles
- Rubber catheter or teat cannula
- Alcohol swab
- Sharps container
Make sure you are comfortable with the steps before you ever need to give a dose. It may help to practice assembling the supplies ahead of time.
To give a dose:
If the vial is new, take off the plastic cap.
Pull the prescribed amount into the syringe. You can do this either with a needle or by using a dispensing pin placed into the vial.
If you are using a needle:
- Clean the rubber top of the vial with an alcohol swab. Let it dry in the air.
- Put the needle onto the syringe and take the needle cap off.
- Pull back the plunger to the amount of your animal’s dose so the syringe fills with air.
- Push the needle into the vial and push the air into the vial.
- Turn the vial upside down and pull back the plunger to draw up your animal’s dose.
- Turn the vial upright again and take the needle out of the vial.
- Recap the needle safely by setting the cap on a flat surface and sliding the needle into the cap without holding the cap. After the needle tip is covered, press the cap on fully. Then remove the needle from the syringe and put the needle into a sharps container right away.
If you are using a dispensing pin:
- Clean the rubber top of the vial with an alcohol swab. Let it dry in the air. Then push the dispensing pin spike firmly through the rubber top.
- Unscrew the cap from the dispensing pin. Wipe the opening with an alcohol swab and let it air dry.
- Connect the syringe to the dispensing pin. Turn the vial upside down and draw up your animal’s dose.
- Before you remove the syringe, turn the vial back upright.
- Put the cap back on the pin and leave the pin in the vial. The pin stays in place until the vial is empty.
Connect a rubber catheter or a teat cannula to the end of the syringe. Then give the medicine into the rectum exactly as your veterinarian instructed.
Throw the empty syringe into the trash.
Contact your veterinarian right away if your animal’s seizure becomes worse or does not stop within a few minutes after giving the medicine.
Side effects of Diazepam, Rectal
Possible side effects include:
- Sleepiness or low energy
- Poor coordination or a wobbly walk
- Confusion or acting disoriented
- Unusual excitement or restlessness
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your animal:
- Has seizures that keep going
- Is much too sleepy or too uncoordinated
- Shows signs such as itching, swelling, gums that look pale or blue, lots of drooling, or trouble breathing
How will I know it's working?
Your animal’s seizures should stop within a few minutes.
If the seizure gets worse or does not improve, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the last dose, this medicine will stop working within a few hours.
If your animal’s liver does not work as well, the effects may last longer.
How long do I give it for?
Follow your veterinarian’s directions about whether more doses are needed and when to give them.
Overdose
If you see an overdose happen or think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control service (a consultation fee applies):
- Have the product or the label with you if you can.
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
Missed dose
This medicine is not used on a set daily schedule. It is used as a “rescue” medicine during a seizure or after a seizure.
If you are not sure when to give doses, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give more than your veterinarian prescribed.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in the original vial at room temperature.
- Do not store this medicine in plastic syringes. Prepare the dose only when it is time to give it. Do not draw up doses in advance.
- Keep it away from light.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
- Because it is a controlled substance, keep it in a secure place that is not visible.
Disposal
Diazepam disposal: Because this is a controlled substance, get rid of any unused medicine as soon as you can. Do not flush it down a toilet and do not pour it into a sink. Ways to dispose of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby location, contact your local law enforcement office or your local waste management service.
- Home disposal: Pull any remaining liquid out of the vial, mix it with coffee grounds or kitty litter, seal it inside a plastic bag, and place it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine and do not give it to anyone else.
Disposal of used needles:
- Put used needles into a sharps container. Your veterinarian or pharmacist can help you get a sharps container.
- When the sharps container is about three-quarters full, dispose of it. Ask your local trash service or health department which disposal options are available where you live.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”