Diazepam, Oral
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Diazepam, Oral during a consultation by Dr Noor in Perth.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
This medicine is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are commonly used to reduce anxiety.
It comes as tablets and as a liquid that is taken by mouth.
Other common names
- Diastat
- Valium
Uses
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for use in people.
Your veterinarian may still choose to use it in animals in a way that is allowed outside the exact label directions (sometimes called extra-label use). Examples include:
- Helping treat or prevent anxiety and fear reactions (phobias) in dogs
- Helping relax muscles for certain urinary problems or muscle spasms in dogs
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely risk-free for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is currently getting
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had to 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 allergic reaction to this medicine or to other medicines in the same family (benzodiazepines)
- That have serious liver disease
Use with caution in:
- Cats
- Animals with liver or kidney disease
- Animals with glaucoma
- Animals that are ill, weak, older, or overweight
- Animals that are aggressive
- Working or service animals, because they may become too sleepy to do their tasks
Some animal sports or competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking any medication.
Warnings for humans
- Wash your hands after you handle any medication.
- This medicine is a controlled substance. It must only be used for the animal it was prescribed for. Giving it to someone else or selling it is illegal.
How do I give this Diazepam, Oral medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian directed. Always follow the directions on the prescription label.
This medicine may be used to relax muscles or to treat or prevent anxiety or phobias.
It can be given with food or without food.
If it is being used for anxiety or phobias, give it about 1 hour before the event that usually triggers the fear or anxiety.
If you are giving the liquid form, measure it with an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
When this medicine is used for behavior-related problems, it should be used along with a behavior-change plan. Talk with your veterinarian about this.
Side effects
Most common effect: sleepiness.
Common — contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Sleepiness or low energy
- Poor coordination or a wobbly walk
- Increased appetite
- Aggression or agitation
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice:
- Extreme sleepiness or movement that is much more uncoordinated than expected
- Yellow color of the skin, gums, or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
This medicine can make it harder for your animal to learn and can slow training.
In rare cases, instead of calming an animal, this medicine may cause the animal to act more excited or overly active. If this happens, contact your veterinarian.
How will I know it's working?
Your animal should begin to feel better within 1 to 2 hours.
Call your mobile vet Perth clinic if your animal’s problems get worse or do not improve.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the last dose, the medicine usually wears off within 12 to 24 hours.
If your animal’s liver does not work as well, the effects may last longer.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods depending on the situation. Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs. A refill may be needed.
If this medicine has been used for a long time, it needs to be reduced slowly over time rather than stopped all at once.
Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal problems.
Talk with your veterinarian before you stop this medicine.
Overdose
Possible overdose signs include very heavy sleepiness, weakness, confusion, shaking, restlessness, crying or repeated sounds (vocalization), and trouble breathing.
If you see or suspect an overdose, contact your veterinarian right away.
If possible, have the product container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
If you are using this medicine only for certain situations, give it about 1 hour before the expected trigger.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from light.
- Keep it out of reach of children and animals.
- Because this is a controlled substance, keep it in a secure place and out of sight.
Disposal
Because this medicine is a controlled substance, get rid of any unused medicine as soon as you can.
Do not flush this medicine in the 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 preferred option when available. To find a location, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, put the mixture into a sealed plastic bag, and place it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine and do not give it to anyone else.
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.”