Diastat AcuDial
Generic name:diazepam
Brand names: Diastat, Diastat AcuDial
Dosage form: rectal gel
Drug class:Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants
What is Diastat AcuDial?
Diastat AcuDial is a rectal gel used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy. Diastat AcuDial contains the medication diazepam, which belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepine anticonvulsant medications.
Diastat AcuDial works by reducing the excitability of nerve cells or neurons in the brain. It does this by helping a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) work. GABA is a chemical messenger that blocks impulses between nerve cells.
Diastat AcuDial is given via a rectal delivery system. The rectal delivery system combines a pre-filled syringe with a plastic applicator with a flexible, molded tip which is used to deliver the medication into the rectum. The syringe has a window on it that displays the dose and a green band that confirms when the dose is ready to be given.
Diastat AcuDial contains the same gel formulation of diazepam as Diastat, which uses an older rectal delivery system that doesn't have a window displaying the dose of the medication.
Diastat was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997. When the new delivery system - Diastat AcuDial - was approved in 2005, only the lowest strength pre-filled syringe of Diastat (containing diazepam 2.5mg/0.5ml) remained on the market. The higher strength versions of Diastat were discontinued at that time.
What is Diastat AcuDial used for?
Diastat AcuDial is used to treat occasional episodes of increased seizures that are different from a patient’s usual seizure pattern in patients with epilepsy 2 years of age and older.
It is not know whether Diastat AcuDial is safe and effective in children under 2 years of age.
Federal law prohibits the transfer of this medication to any person other than the person for whom it was prescribed.
Important information
Diastat AcuDial may cause serious side effects including:
- Potentially fatal effects (trouble breathing and sedation) may occur if Diastat AcuDial is used with opioids. Do not use Diastat AcuDial while you are taking opioids unless you are instructed to do so and are supervised by a health care provider.
- If you are a caregiver administering Diastat AcuDial, ensure that you have read and understand the Administration and Disposal Instructions section of the Diastat AcuDial full Prescribing Information. Ensure that:
(1) you can identify the difference between cluster of seizures (and/or the events that precipitate the onset of seizures) from ordinary seizure activity
(2) a doctor confirms that you are able to use the product as instructed
(3) you understand which seizures may or may not be treated with diazepam rectal gel
(4) you monitor the effect of diazepam rectal gel and know when to seek professional medical help. - There is a risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction with Diastat AcuDial, which can lead to overdose and death, esp
