Medication Monday: You gave Diastat. Now what?

Hello friends and welcome to “𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲!” Decided to try something new and dedicate a day strictly to all things meds! Not only does this helps you guys review but it helps you learn more about medications you haven’t seen in a while.

Today we are talking 𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓!
💡 𝑷𝒐𝒑 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒛➝what is Diastat and what is it used for? 💡
If you said it can be used for seizures then you are correct! Diastat is a benzodiazepine that is used to stop seizure activity. Also referred to as Diazepam rectal, diastat is a gel that is given through the rectum, primarily when a child is actively seizing and seizure has lasted longer than 5 minutes. Diastat is an emergency medication and is not used as a maintenance drug. Varying doses exist depending on the child’s age and weight.

Diastat is given when:
1. Child can not swallow (during a seizure you cannot give anything to the patient by mouth due to the risk of aspiration).
2. No IV access is obtained. PR meds are absorbed very quickly (way faster than oral meds) and provides almost immediate relief.

Administering diastat can be a bit tricky. I have seen my fair share of sitautions where a nurse locks the dial before turning it to the appropriate dose. Before giving diastat, you must first ensure the proper dose is selected in your syringe prior to locking the dial. This is crucial because once you lock it, it cannot be unlocked. The picture below is a great visual that runs through the steps on how to administer diastat.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭:
1. Call 911 immediately. Patient must be monitored closely post seizure activity & diazepam administration.
2. Observe the child until 911 arrives. Keep the child on his side, facing you and take note of the time you gave the diastat.

𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬:
🩹Somnolence, drowsy, tired, dizzy
🩹Ataxia, trembling (causes unsteady gait and poor coordination—patients who are on seizure precautions should also be on fall precautions)
🩹Headache
🩹Diarrhea

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫:
⚠️Diastat is a CNS depressor and can cause RESP. DEPRESSION.You must monitor your pt’s RR and oxygen level when giving this med⚠️