Diazepam Rectal and Flumazenil: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Diazepam Rectal
Flumazenil
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Increased risk of serious adverse effects in patients who are physically dependent on benzodiazepines, including seizures
Interaction Deep Dive
Concomitant use of flumazenil and benzodiazepines is contraindicated in patients who have been given a benzodiazepine for control of a potentially life-threatening condition (ie, control of intracranial pressure or status epilepticus). Flumazenil administration may cause serious adverse events related to the reversal of benzodiazepine therapy. Flumazenil is known to precipitate withdrawal seizures in patients who are physically dependent on benzodiazepines; flumazenil use in this situation has not been studied and no information as to dose and rate of titration is available. Flumazenil should be used in such patients only if the potential benefits of using the drug outweigh the risks of precipitated seizures1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Abrupt discontinuation of the anticonvulsant protective effect; precipitation of withdrawal symptoms
Common questions
Can I take Diazepam Rectal and Flumazenil together?
Increased risk of serious adverse effects in patients who are physically dependent on benzodiazepines, including seizures Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Diazepam Rectal and Flumazenil interaction?
It is rated contraindicated. These should generally not be used together.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Diazepam Rectal or Flumazenil need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (1)
- Product Information: FLUMAZENIL intravenous injection, flumazenil intravenous injection. Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC (per DailyMed), Lake Zurich, IL, 2025. DailyMed
Keep reading about Diazepam Rectal
Keep reading about Flumazenil
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