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Diazepam 10 mg/2mL Gel — NDC 68682-0652-20 package photo

Diazepam 10 mg/2mL Gel

by Oceanside Pharmaceuticals · 2 SYRINGE, PLASTIC in 1 PACKAGE (68682-652-20) / 2 mL in 1 SYRINGE, PLASTIC
NDC 68682-0652-20
🏷️ FDA NDC (as labeled) 68682-652-20 billing pads the product segment with a zero
Rx only Brand On market CIV
🗂️ Data synced Jul 24, 2026 · sources: openFDA · FDA label (DailyMed) · FDA Orange & Purple Book · First Databank · CMS NADAC, ASP, Medicare & Medicaid · RxNorm
📋 All sources & update times →

🆔 Identity & classification

FDA NDC (as labeled) 68682-652-20
Product NDC 68682-652
11-digit billing NDC 68682065220
NCPDP billing unit EA — each (per item)
RxCUI 801957, 801961, 801966
UNII Q3JTX2Q7TU
Application # NDA020648
SPL Set ID b1b2848b-b265-4f6f-9141-bf106dec0726
Established class (EPC) Benzodiazepine
Chemical class Benzodiazepines
DEA schedule CIV
Marketing category NDA AUTHORIZED GENERIC
Marketing status On market
FDA listing status Listed (active directory)
Marketing start 1997-07-29
Route RECTAL
Dosage form GEL
Substance DIAZEPAM
GPI-14 72100030004040
GPI class diazePAM
GCN Seq No 059781
GCN 25598
HICL code 001615
Ingredient (HICL) Diazepam
HIC1 code H
Therapeutic class — broad (HIC1) Nervous System (Except Autonomic)
HIC2 code H4
Therapeutic class — intermediate (HIC2) Anticonvulsants
HIC3 code H4A
Therapeutic class — specific (HIC3) Anticonvulsant - Benzodiazepine Type
AHFS code 28:12.08.00
AHFS class Benzodiazepines (Anticonvulsants)
FDB label name DIAZEPAM 10MG RECTAL GEL (2PK)
FDB brand name Diazepam
Legend status F — Federal legend — prescription drug or device
TE code (Orange Book) AB · RLD · RS
Why two NDCs? The FDA registers this code as 68682-652-20 — a 5-3-2 layout, and that's what's printed on the package and shown on DailyMed. For insurance claims, every NDC is standardized to a uniform 11-digit 5-4-2 format by adding a zero to the product segment → 68682-0652-20. Same drug, same package — only the format differs.
Where does this data come from?
Identifiers from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Structured Product Labeling; RxCUI from RxNorm (NLM); GPI from Medi-Span; GCN / HIC / AHFS / legend from First Databank.

🏷️ RxNorm drug class

This medicine belongs to the Benzodiazepine class.

Pharmacologic class Benzodiazepine
Drug family (ATC) Benzodiazepine derivatives
Where does this data come from?
Therapeutic classes from RxNorm RxClass (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Established Pharmacologic Class (FDA), ATC drug family (WHO) and mechanism of action, matched by this product’s RxCUI.

🏭 Manufacturer & labeler

LabelerOceanside Pharmaceuticals
Application holderBAUSCH HEALTH US LLC
FDA applicationNDA020648 (NDA AUTHORIZED GENERIC)
Labeler code68682
First marketedJul 1997
DEA scheduleCIV
Product typeHuman Prescription Drug
Portfolio87 products on file
The labeler markets the product; the application holder owns the FDA approval. They’re often the same company but can differ (e.g. a repackager or an authorized generic). A mailing address / phone appears here when the manufacturer includes it in the product’s FDA label (not all do).
Where does this data come from?
Labeler, application holder and registered establishment from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Drugs@FDA; address/contact from the product’s FDA label.

🩺 Clinical

Label name DIAZEPAM 10MG RECTAL GEL (2PK) Ingredient Diazepam
📗 Our plain-language guide HelloPharmacist
  • No — this medication is specifically for seizure clusters, which are episodes of repeated seizures that are different from your family member's (or your own) usual seizure pattern....
  • When exactly should I give the diazepam rectal gel — as soon as any seizure starts?
  • Yes, the prescriber may authorize a second dose, but there are rules: it can only be given 4 to 12 hours after the first dose, and only if your prescriber has said to do so in your...
  • Can I give a second dose if the seizures don't stop after the first?
📖 Read our full Diazepam Rectal guide →
1
Nutrient depletion considerations

Diazepam may be associated with lower levels of 1 nutrient — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.

An association is not a deficiency. Educational only — don't start or stop anything without professional guidance.
Where does this data come from?
Plain-language summary from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine); supplement & herbal interactions and nutrient depletion data from the Natural Medicines database; our full guide is HelloPharmacist editorial content.

🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients

Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.

💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.

  • UNII 3K9958V90M
    A liquid solvent derived from fermentation or chemical synthesis. In medicines, alcohol dissolves active ingredients, helps preserve the product, and improves how the body absorbs certain drugs.
  • UNII 8SKN0B0MIM
    Benzoic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid used as a preservative in medicines and foods. It helps prevent bacterial and fungal growth to extend shelf life and maintain product stability.
  • UNII LKG8494WBH
    Benzyl alcohol is a clear liquid used as a preservative and solvent in medicines. It helps prevent bacterial and fungal growth and dissolves other ingredients to create uniform liquid formulations.
  • UNII 3NXW29V3WO
    Hypromellose is a plant-based thickener made from cellulose. It's used in medicines as a binder to hold ingredients together, a coating for tablets, and a thickener for liquids.
  • UNII 6DC9Q167V3
    Propylene glycol is a clear liquid derived from petroleum or vegetable sources. It acts as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in medicines, helping dissolve active ingredients and maintain product stability.
  • UNII OJ245FE5EU
    Sodium benzoate is a salt derived from benzoic acid, a preservative. It's added to medicines to prevent growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that could spoil the product.
  • UNII 059QF0KO0R
    Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.

7 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.

Where does this data come from?
Data sourced from official FDA Structured Product Labeling (SPL) via DailyMedingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.

Inactive ingredient FAQ

Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
No. Inactive ingredients can differ by manufacturer, dosage form, strength, and package / product version.
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Some SPLs do not provide a complete structured inactive-ingredient list, and older or unusual labels may only include the information in narrative text.
Can inactive ingredients matter?
Yes. They can matter for allergies, intolerances, dyes, gluten / lactose concerns, preservatives, and formulation differences — but confirm with a pharmacist or the manufacturer when it’s clinically important.

💲 Pricing

A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.

Price systemPer eaPer package
Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly $270.447 $540.89 / 2 syringes
Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo $238.76 $477.52 / 2 syringes
Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 $214.83 $429.66 / 2 syringes
NADAC price history (per ea) — tap or hover for the price & month
Dec 2021 Apr 2022 Aug 2022 Feb 2024 $270.447 $239.128
▲ Up 11% over the last 12 months.
Where does this data come from?
NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) is the CMS weekly pharmacy-acquisition-cost survey — what pharmacies pay. ASP (Average Sales Price) is the CMS Medicare Part B drug-payment file, published quarterly. Medicaid pays is computed by us from CMS State Drug Utilization Data (total reimbursed ÷ units, trailing 12 months) — gross of rebates and inclusive of dispensing fees, so it reflects what Medicaid paid, not an acquisition cost. Medicare drug plans pay is the median negotiated point-of-sale unit cost across plans listing this NDC in the CMS quarterly Prescription Drug Plan pricing files, before rebates. The VA pays is the federal contract price (FSS, and the statutory Big 4 ceiling where listed) from the VA National Acquisition Center pharmaceutical price file. All are free public government data; each measures a different payer, so the figures are not directly comparable.

🔁 Therapeutic equivalents

ProductLabelerPackNADAC/unitTEStatusPrice vs. this
Diazepam 10 mg/2g 43386-0280-02 Lupin 2 syringes $208.118 AB Availability likely save 23%
Diazepam 10 mg/2mL 70710-2079-02 Zydus 2 syringes $208.118 AB Availability likely save 23%
Diazepam 10 mg/2mLthis 68682-0652-20 Oceanside 2 syringes $270.447 AB FDA listed
Diazepam 10 mg/2mL 68475-0803-02 Navinta 2 syringes AB FDA listed
About this product: this is an authorized generic — the brand-name product marketed without its brand name. Other versions are listed above, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
Equivalents are other NDCs of the same ingredient, form and route from the openFDA NDC Directory, ranked least-expensive-first by NADAC. Therapeutic-equivalence (AB) ratings come from the FDA Orange Book; biologics use the FDA Purple Book for biosimilar & interchangeable status.

Availability & generic status

🏛️
1997
On the market since
Jul 1997
📍
2026
Currently FDA-listed
29 years listed
🔓
·
Generic versions listed
see equivalents
Generic appears available

FDA-approved generic versions are listed, and recent pricing/market data suggests they may be available — see Therapeutic equivalents.

Where does this data come from?
Patents and exclusivity from the FDA Orange Book (small-molecule drugs), refreshed from public FDA data. Generic launch timing is an estimate, not a guarantee.

🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend

📍 This exact package only: Medicaid data is reported per full 11-digit NDC — labeler, product and pack size — so every number here is for 68682-0652-20, not the drug overall. Other pack sizes report separately.
💊 Pharmacy benefit only: These are Medicaid outpatient pharmacy claims, billed by NDC. They exclude the medical benefit — clinic- or hospital-administered drugs billed under HCPCS J-codes — so drugs used mostly that way (e.g. Avastin, Lucentis, Keytruda) can look low or missing here. That’s expected, not an error.
📅 Q1 2025 – Q1 2026 · 5 quarters of data
ⓘ The newest quarter is usually incomplete when first published; states restate recent quarters in later CMS releases, so the latest figures typically revise upward. State coverage-policy changes can also shift quarter-to-quarter totals.
Prescriptions last 4 qtrs
17.9K
Units reimbursed last 4 qtrs
26.5K
Gross reimbursed last 4 qtrs
$6.33M
Avg / prescription
$354.17
Avg / unit
$238.76
Latest quarter Q1 2026
0Rx
Medicaid pays / ea
$238.76
gross reimbursed
vs
NADAC / ea
$270.45
acquisition cost
=
Spread
−$31.6826
-12% vs cost
What Medicaid paid per ea (before rebates; includes the pharmacy’s dispensing fee) compared with NADAC — the average price pharmacies pay to buy the drug. A positive spread means Medicaid reimbursed more than the purchase price, before manufacturer rebates.
Fee-for-service vs managed care
43% FFS 57% MCO
Fee-for-service · 7,694 Rx Managed care · 10,191 Rx
State Medicaid map
Alaska: 116 units · 15.8 per 100k residents AK Maine: 185 units · 13.3 per 100k residents ME Washington: 269 units · 3.4 per 100k residents WA Idaho: 71 units · 3.6 per 100k residents ID Montana: 12 units · 1.1 per 100k residents MT North Dakota: 42 units · 5.4 per 100k residents ND Minnesota: 504 units · 8.8 per 100k residents MN Wisconsin: 256 units · 4.3 per 100k residents WI Michigan: 837 units · 8.3 per 100k residents MI New York: 1,925 units · 9.8 per 100k residents NY Vermont: 58 units · 9.0 per 100k residents VT New Hampshire: 66 units · 4.7 per 100k residents NH Oregon: 136 units · 3.2 per 100k residents OR Nevada: 141 units · 4.4 per 100k residents NV Wyoming: no data reported WY South Dakota: 58 units · 6.3 per 100k residents SD Iowa: 229 units · 7.1 per 100k residents IA Illinois: 627 units · 5.0 per 100k residents IL Indiana: 721 units · 10.5 per 100k residents IN Ohio: 903 units · 7.7 per 100k residents OH Pennsylvania: 1,943 units · 15.0 per 100k residents PA New Jersey: 913 units · 9.8 per 100k residents NJ Massachusetts: 858 units · 12.3 per 100k residents MA California: 1,725 units · 4.4 per 100k residents CA Utah: 106 units · 3.1 per 100k residents UT Colorado: 224 units · 3.8 per 100k residents CO Nebraska: 149 units · 7.5 per 100k residents NE Missouri: 349 units · 5.6 per 100k residents MO Kentucky: 552 units · 12.2 per 100k residents KY West Virginia: 232 units · 13.1 per 100k residents WV Virginia: 775 units · 8.9 per 100k residents VA Maryland: 706 units · 11.4 per 100k residents MD Connecticut: 268 units · 7.4 per 100k residents CT Rhode Island: 193 units · 17.6 per 100k residents RI Arizona: 291 units · 3.9 per 100k residents AZ New Mexico: 134 units · 6.3 per 100k residents NM Kansas: 158 units · 5.4 per 100k residents KS Arkansas: 378 units · 12.3 per 100k residents AR Tennessee: 681 units · 9.6 per 100k residents TN North Carolina: 1,397 units · 12.9 per 100k residents NC South Carolina: 632 units · 11.8 per 100k residents SC Delaware: 84 units · 8.1 per 100k residents DE Oklahoma: 297 units · 7.3 per 100k residents OK Louisiana: 239 units · 5.2 per 100k residents LA Mississippi: 276 units · 9.4 per 100k residents MS Alabama: 290 units · 5.7 per 100k residents AL Georgia: 1,481 units · 13.4 per 100k residents GA D.C.: 100 units · 14.7 per 100k residents DC Hawaii: 78 units · 5.4 per 100k residents HI Texas: 2,057 units · 6.7 per 100k residents TX Florida: 1,740 units · 7.7 per 100k residents FL
Units reimbursed · per 100k residents
1.117.6
gray = no data reported
Colors are per 100,000 residents, so big states don’t automatically dominate. Tap or hover a state for its actual totals.
Tap or hover a state
…for its Medicaid breakdown
🏆 Top states by units · per 100k residents
1 Rhode Island 17.6 /100k
2 Alaska 15.8 /100k
3 Pennsylvania 15.0 /100k
4 D.C. 14.7 /100k
5 Georgia 13.4 /100k
6 Maine 13.3 /100k
7 West Virginia 13.1 /100k
8 North Carolina 12.9 /100k
National units — by quarter
💵 About the dollar figures: “reimbursed” is what Medicaid paid pharmacies before confidential manufacturer rebates, so the program’s real net cost is lower than these numbers. Fee-for-service and managed-care claims are combined unless split above. Source: CMS State Drug Utilization Data; per-100k rates use 2023 Census population estimates.

📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)

Medicare Part D (outpatient prescription) spending for Diazepam — the program that covers self-administered drugs. 16 manufacturers.
⚠️ Drug-level data: CMS publishes Part D spending by drug, not by NDC — these figures combine every manufacturer, strength and package size sold under the name Diazepam. That’s a different level of aggregation than the Medicaid card above, which is specific to this exact 11-digit NDC (pack size included), so the two aren’t directly comparable.
Period
Total Part D spend
$4.44M
Claims incl. refills
704.6K
Beneficiaries
418.2K
Spend / beneficiary
$10.63
Spend / claim
$6.31
Trend by period
💵 About the dollar figures: spending is what Part D plans paid before confidential manufacturer rebates, so the program’s real net cost is lower. A blank patient count means fewer than 11 people — CMS hides counts that small to protect privacy. Source: CMS Medicare Quarterly Part D Spending by Drug (data.cms.gov), updated quarterly.

🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)

Read carefully: FAERS reports are voluntary and unverified. Counts are not incidence, do not establish causation, are subject to reporting bias, and cannot be used to compare one drug to another. Shown for signal context only. Reports for Diazepam — the ingredient across all brands.

Top reported reactions

Toxicity To Various Agents9,514
Drug Abuse7,212
Nausea6,288
Fatigue5,838
Pain5,269
Anxiety5,086
Somnolence5,077

Age at onset

Neonate288
Infant115
Child301
Adolescent354
Adult9,363
Elderly3,178

Reporter sex

121,002 reports
Male · 42%
Female · 57%
Unknown · 1%

Serious outcomes

Hospitalization42,064
Death22,957
Life-threatening8,335
Disabling4,084
Reports over time (by year) — tap or hover for the count & year
2019 2021 2023 2026 9,212 0
Most recent year is provisional (FAERS lags ~3 months).
Where does this data come from?
Adverse-event reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) via openFDA. FAERS reports are voluntary and unverified — counts are not incidence and don’t establish causation.

📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product

Package NDCDescription Marketing startStatus
68682-0652-20 You're viewing this 2 SYRINGE, PLASTIC in 1 PACKAGE (68682-652-20) / 2 mL in 1 SYRINGE, PLASTIC 1997-07-29 Active

📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL

The complete FDA label for this product — the official prescribing information, verbatim, section by section. Jump with a chip, search within the label, or expand everything.
🚨 Boxed Warning ~1 min read

WARNING: RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOIDS; ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION; and DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL REACTIONS Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required.

Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ). The use of benzodiazepines, including diazepam rectal gel, exposes users to risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes.

Before prescribing diazepam rectal gel and throughout treatment, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction (see WARNINGS ). The continued use of benzodiazepines may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. The risks of dependence and withdrawal increase with longer treatment duration and higher daily dose.

Although diazepam rectal gel is indicated only for intermittent use (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ), if used more frequently than recommended, abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of diazepam rectal gel may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening. For patients using diazepam rectal gel more frequently than recommended, to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue diazepam rectal gel (see WARNINGS ).

🎯 Indications and Usage 45 words

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Diazepam rectal gel is intended for the acute treatment of intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity (i.e., seizure clusters, acute repetitive seizures) that are distinct from a patient’s usual seizure pattern in patients with epilepsy 2 years of age and older.

⏱️ Dosage and Administration ~3 min read

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (see also Patient/Caregiver Package Insert) This section is intended primarily for the prescriber; however, the prescriber should also be aware of the dosing information and directions for use provided in the patient package insert. A decision to prescribe diazepam rectal gel involves more than the diagnosis and the selection of the correct dose for the patient. First, the prescriber must be convinced from historical reports and/or personal observations that the patient exhibits the characteristic identifiable seizure cluster that can be distinguished from the patient’s usual seizure activity by the caregiver who will be responsible for administering diazepam rectal gel.

Second, because diazepam rectal gel is only intended for adjunctive use, the prescriber must ensure that the patient is receiving an optimal regimen of standard anti-epileptic drug treatment and is, nevertheless, continuing to experience these characteristic episodes. Third, because a non-health professional will be obliged to identify episodes suitable for treatment, make the decision to administer treatment upon that identification, administer the drug, monitor the patient, and assess the adequacy of the response to treatment, a major component of the prescribing process involves the necessary instruction of this individual.

Fourth, the prescriber and caregiver must have a common understanding of what is and is not an episode of seizures that is appropriate for treatment, the timing of administration in relation to the onset of the episode, the mechanics of administering the drug, how and what to observe following administration, and what would constitute an outcome requiring immediate and direct medical attention. Calculating Prescribed Dose The diazepam rectal gel dose should be individualized for maximum beneficial effect. The recommended dose of diazepam rectal gel is 0.2-0.5 mg/kg depending on age.

See the dosing table for specific recommendations. Age (years) Recommended Dose 2 through 5 0.5 mg/kg 6 through 11 0.3 mg/kg 12 and older 0.2 mg/kg Because diazepam rectal gel is provided as unit doses of 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, and 20 mg, the prescribed dose is obtained by rounding upward to the next available dose. The following table provides acceptable weight ranges for each dose and age category, such that patients will receive between 90% and 180% of the calculated recommended dose.

The safety of this strategy has been established in clinical trials. 2 - 5 Years 6 - 11 Years 12+ Years 0.5 mg/kg 0.3 mg/kg 0.2 mg/kg Weight Dose Weight Dose Weight Dose (kg) (mg) (kg) (mg) (kg) (mg) 6 to 10 5 10 to 16 5 14 to 25 5 11 to 15 7.5 17 to 25 7.5 26 to 37 7.5 16 to 20 10 26 to 33 10 38 to 50 10 21 to 25 12.5 34 to 41 12.5 51 to 62 12.5 26 to 30 15 42 to 50 15 63 to 75 15 31 to 35 17.5 51 to 58 17.5 76 to 87 17.5 36 to 44 20 59 to 74 20 88 to 111 20 The rectal delivery system includes a plastic applicator with a flexible, molded tip available in two lengths.

The diazepam rectal gel rectal delivery system 10 mg syringe is available with a 4.4 cm tip and the diazepam rectal gel rectal delivery system 20 mg syringe is available with a 6.0 cm tip. Diazepam rectal gel 2.5 mg is also available with a 4.4 cm tip. In elderly and debilitated patients, it is recommended that the dosage be adjusted downward to reduce the likelihood of ataxia or oversedation.

The prescribed dose of diazepam rectal gel should be adjusted by the physician periodically to reflect changes in the patient’s age or weight. The diazepam rectal gel 2.5 mg dose may also be used as a partial replacement dose for patients who may expel a portion of the first dose. Additional Dose The prescriber may wish to prescribe a second dose of diazepam rectal gel.

A second dose, when required, may be given 4-12 hours after the first dose. Treatment Frequency It is recommended that diazepam rectal gel be used to treat no more than five episodes per month and no more than one episode…

Contraindications 39 words

CONTRAINDICATIONS Diazepam rectal gel is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to diazepam. Diazepam rectal gel may be used in patients with open angle glaucoma who are receiving appropriate therapy but is contraindicated in acute narrow angle glaucoma.

⚠️ Warnings ~3 min read

WARNINGS General Diazepam rectal gel should only be administered by caregivers who in the opinion of the prescribing physician 1) are able to distinguish the distinct cluster of seizures (and/or the events presumed to herald their onset) from the patient’s ordinary seizure activity, 2) have been instructed and judged to be competent to administer the treatment rectally, 3) understand explicitly which seizure manifestations may or may not be treated with diazepam rectal gel, and 4) are able to monitor the clinical response and recognize when that response is such that immediate professional medical evaluation is required.

Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, including diazepam rectal gel and diazepam rectal gel rectal delivery system, and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids for patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioids alone.

If a decision is made to prescribe diazepam rectal gel or diazepam rectal gel rectal delivery system concomitantly with opioids, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use, and follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when diazepam rectal gel or diazepam rectal gel rectal delivery system is used with opioids (see PRECAUTIONS ). Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction The use of benzodiazepines, including diazepam rectal gel, exposes users to the risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death.

Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines often (but not always) involve the use of doses greater than the maximum recommended dosage and commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes, including respiratory depression, overdose, or death (see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE: Abuse ). Before prescribing diazepam rectal gel and throughout treatment, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Use of diazepam rectal gel, particularly in patients at elevated risk, necessitates counseling about the risks and proper use of diazepam rectal gel along with monitoring for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.

Do not exceed the recommended dosing frequency; avoid or minimize concomitant use of CNS depressants and other substances associated with abuse, misuse, and addiction (e.g., opioid analgesics, stimulants); and advise patients on the proper disposal of unused drug. If a substance use disorder is suspected, evaluate the patient and institute (or refer them for) early treatment, as appropriate. Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions After Use of Diazepam Rectal Gel More Frequently Than Recommended For patients using diazepam rectal gel more frequently than recommended, to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue diazepam rectal gel (a patient-specific plan should be used to taper the dose).

Patients at an increased risk of withdrawal adverse reactions after benzodiazepine discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction include those who take higher dosages, and those who have had longer durations of use. Acute Withdrawal Reactions The continued use of benzodiazepines may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. Although diazepam rectal gel is indicated only for intermittent use (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ), if used more frequently than recommended, abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of diazepam rectal gel, or administration of flumazenil (a benzodiazepine antag…

🤒 Adverse Reactions ~3 min read

ADVERSE REACTIONS Diazepam rectal gel adverse event data were collected from double-blind, placebo-controlled studies and open-label studies. The majority of adverse events were mild to moderate in severity and transient in nature. Two patients who received diazepam rectal gel died seven to 15 weeks following treatment; neither of these deaths was deemed related to diazepam rectal gel.

The most frequent adverse event reported to be related to diazepam rectal gel in the two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies was somnolence (23%). Less frequent adverse events were dizziness, headache, pain, abdominal pain, nervousness, vasodilatation, diarrhea, ataxia, euphoria, incoordination, asthma, rhinitis, and rash, which occurred in approximately 2-5% of patients. Approximately 1.4% of the 573 patients who received diazepam rectal gel in clinical trials of epilepsy discontinued treatment because of an adverse event.

The adverse event most frequently associated with discontinuation (occurring in three patients) was somnolence. Other adverse events most commonly associated with discontinuation and occurring in two patients were hypoventilation and rash. Adverse events occurring in one patient were asthenia, hyperkinesia, incoordination, vasodilatation and urticaria.

These events were judged to be related to diazepam rectal gel. In the two domestic double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group studies, the proportion of patients who discontinued treatment because of adverse events was 2% for the group treated with diazepam rectal gel, versus 2% for the placebo group. In the diazepam rectal gel group, the adverse events considered the primary reason for discontinuation were different in the two patients who discontinued treatment; one discontinued due to rash and one discontinued due to lethargy.

The primary reason for discontinuation in the patients treated with placebo was lack of effect. Adverse Event Incidence in Controlled Clinical Trials Table 1 lists treatment-emergent signs and symptoms that occurred in > 1% of patients enrolled in parallel-group, placebo-controlled trials and were numerically more common in the diazepam rectal gel group. Adverse events were usually mild or moderate in intensity.

The prescriber should be aware that these figures, obtained when diazepam rectal gel was added to concurrent antiepileptic drug therapy, cannot be used to predict the frequency of adverse events in the course of usual medical practice when patient characteristics and other factors may differ from those prevailing during clinical studies. Similarly, the cited frequencies cannot be directly compared with figures obtained from other clinical investigations involving different treatments, uses, or investigators. An inspection of these frequencies, however, does provide the prescribing physician with one basis to estimate the relative contribution of drug and non-drug factors to the adverse event incidences in the population studied.

Table 1: Treatment-Emergent Signs and Symptoms That Occurred in > 1% Of Patients Enrolled in Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Trials and Were Numerically More Common in the Diazepam Rectal Gel Group Diazepam Rectal Gel Placebo Body System COSTART Term N = 101 % N = 104 % Body As A Whole Headache 5% 4% Cardiovascular Vasodilatation 2% 0% Digestive Diarrhea 4% <1% Nervous Ataxia 3% <1% Dizziness 3% 2% Euphoria 3% 0% Incoordination 3% 0% Somnolence 23% 8% Respiratory Asthma 2% 0% Skin and Appendages Rash 3% 0% Other events reported by 1% or more of patients treated in controlled trials but equally or more frequent in the placebo group than in the diazepam rectal gel group were abdominal pain, pain, nervousness, and rhinitis.

Other events reported by fewer than 1% of patients were infection, anorexia, vomiting, anemia, lymphadenopathy, grand mal convulsion, hyperkinesia, cough increased, pruritus, sweating, mydriasis, and urinary tract infection. The pattern of adverse events was similar for different age, race…

🤰 Pregnancy ~3 min read

Pregnancy Advise pregnant females that use of diazepam rectal gel late in pregnancy can result in sedation (respiratory depression, lethargy, hypotonia) and/or withdrawal symptoms (hyperreflexia, irritability, restlessness, tremors, inconsolable crying, and feeding difficulties) in newborns (see WARNINGS: Neonatal Sedation and Withdrawal Syndrome and PRECAUTIONS: Pregnancy ). Instruct patients to inform their healthcare provider if they are pregnant. Encourage patients to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry if they become pregnant while taking diazepam rectal gel.

The registry is collecting information about the safety of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy (see PRECAUTIONS: Pregnancy ). Lactation Counsel patients that diazepam, the active ingredient in diazepam rectal gel, is present in breast milk. Instruct patients to inform their healthcare provider if they are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Instruct breastfeeding patients who take diazepam rectal gel to monitor their infants for excessive sedation, poor feeding and poor weight gain, and to seek medical attention if they notice these signs (see PRECAUTIONS: Nursing Mothers ). Concomitant Medication Although diazepam rectal gel is indicated for use solely on an intermittent basis, the potential for a synergistic CNS-depressant effect when used simultaneously with alcohol or other CNS-depressants must be considered by the prescribing physician, and appropriate recommendations made to the patient and/or caregiver.

Drug Interactions There have been no clinical studies or reports in literature to evaluate the interaction of rectally administered diazepam with other drugs. As with all drugs, the potential for interaction by a variety of mechanisms is a possibility. Effect of Concomitant Use of Benzodiazepines and Opioids : The concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids increases the risk of respiratory depression because of actions at different receptor sites in the CNS that control respiration.

Benzodiazepines interact at GABA A sites, and opioids interact primarily at mu receptors. When benzodiazepines and opioids are combined, the potential for benzodiazepines to significantly worsen opioid-related respiratory depression exists. Limit dosage and duration of concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids, and follow patients closely for respiratory depression and sedation.

Other Psychotropic Agents or Other CNS Depressants: If diazepam rectal gel is to be combined with other psychotropic agents or other CNS depressants, careful consideration should be given to the pharmacology of the agents to be employed particularly with known compounds which may potentiate the action of diazepam, such as phenothiazines, narcotics, barbiturates, MAO inhibitors and other antidepressants. Cimetidine: The clearance of diazepam and certain other benzodiazepines can be delayed in association with cimetidine administration.

The clinical significance of this is unclear. Valproate : Valproate may potentiate the CNS-depressant effects of diazepam. Effect of Other Drugs on Diazepam Metabolism : In vitro studies using human liver preparations suggest that CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 are the principal isozymes involved in the initial oxidative metabolism of diazepam.

Therefore, potential interactions may occur when diazepam is given concurrently with agents that affect CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 activity. Potential inhibitors of CYP2C19 (e.g., cimetidine, quinidine, and tranylcypromine) and CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, troleandomycin, and clotrimazole) could decrease the rate of diazepam elimination, while inducers of CYP2C19 (e.g., rifampin) and CYP3A4 (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, dexamethasone, and phenobarbital) could increase the rate of elimination of diazepam. Effect of Diazepam on the Metabolism of Other Drugs : There are no reports as to which isozymes could be inhibited or induced by diazepam.

But, based on the fact that diazepam is a substrate for CYP2C19 an…

🆘 Overdosage ~1 min read

OVERDOSAGE Overdosage of benzodiazepines is characterized by central nervous system depression ranging from drowsiness to coma. In mild to moderate cases, symptoms can include drowsiness, confusion, dysarthria, lethargy, hypnotic state, diminished reflexes, ataxia, and hypotonia. Rarely, paradoxical or disinhibitory reactions (including agitation, irritability, impulsivity, violent behavior, confusion, restlessness, excitement, and talkativeness) may occur.

In severe overdosage cases, patients may develop respiratory depression and coma. Overdosage of benzodiazepines in combination with other CNS depressants (including alcohol and opioids) may be fatal (see WARNINGS: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction ). Markedly abnormal (lowered or elevated) blood pressure, heart rate, or respiratory rate raise the concern that additional drugs and/or alcohol are involved in the overdosage.

In managing benzodiazepine overdosage, employ general supportive measures, including intravenous fluids and airway maintenance. Flumazenil, a specific benzodiazepine receptor antagonist indicated for the complete or partial reversal of the sedative effects of benzodiazepines in the management of benzodiazepine overdosage, can lead to withdrawal and adverse reactions, including seizures, particularly in the context of mixed overdosage with drugs that increase seizure risk (e.g., tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants) and in patients with long-term benzodiazepine use and physical dependency.

The risk of withdrawal seizures with flumazenil use may be increased in patients with epilepsy. Flumazenil is contraindicated in patients who have received a benzodiazepine for control of a potentially life-threatening condition (e.g., status epilepticus). If the decision is made to use flumazenil, it should be used as an adjunct to, not as a substitute for, supportive management of benzodiazepine overdosage.

See the flumazenil injection Prescribing Information. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-221-2222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdosage management recommendations.

🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ~3 min read

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Mechanism of Action Although the precise mechanism by which diazepam exerts its antiseizure effects is unknown, animal and in vitro studies suggest that diazepam acts to suppress seizures through an interaction with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors of the A-type (GABA A ). GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS), acts at this receptor to open the membrane channel allowing chloride ions to flow into neurons. Entry of chloride ions causes an inhibitory potential that reduces the ability of neurons to depolarize to the threshold potential necessary to produce action potentials.

Excessive depolarization of neurons is implicated in the generation and spread of seizures. It is believed that diazepam enhances the actions of GABA by causing GABA to bind more tightly to the GABA A receptor. Pharmacokinetics Pharmacokinetic information of diazepam following rectal administration was obtained from studies conducted in healthy adult subjects.

No pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in pediatric patients. Therefore, information from the literature is used to define pharmacokinetic labeling in the pediatric population. Diazepam rectal gel is well absorbed following rectal administration, reaching peak plasma concentrations in 1.5 hours.

The absolute bioavailability of diazepam rectal gel relative to Valium injectable is 90%. The volume of distribution of diazepam rectal gel is calculated to be approximately 1 L/kg. The mean elimination half-life of diazepam and desmethyldiazepam following administration of a 15 mg dose of diazepam rectal gel was found to be about 46 hours (CV=43%) and 71 hours (CV=37%), respectively.

Both diazepam and its major active metabolite desmethyldiazepam bind extensively to plasma proteins (95-98%). FIGURE 1: Plasma Concentrations of Diazepam and Desmethyldiazepam Following Diazepam Rectal Gel or IV Diazepam figure1 Metabolism and Elimination: It has been reported in the literature that diazepam is extensively metabolized to one major active metabolite (desmethyldiazepam) and two minor active metabolites, 3-hydroxydiazepam (temazepam) and 3-hydroxy-N-diazepam (oxazepam) in plasma. At therapeutic doses, desmethyldiazepam is found in plasma at concentrations equivalent to those of diazepam while oxazepam and temazepam are not usually detectable.

The metabolism of diazepam is primarily hepatic and involves demethylation (involving primarily CYP2C19 and CYP3A4) and 3-hydroxylation (involving primarily CYP3A4), followed by glucuronidation. The marked inter-individual variability in the clearance of diazepam reported in the literature is probably attributable to variability of CYP2C19 (which is known to exhibit genetic polymorphism; about 3-5% of Caucasians have little or no activity and are “poor metabolizers”) and CYP3A4. No inhibition was demonstrated in the presence of inhibitors selective for CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, or CYP1A2, indicating that these enzymes are not significantly involved in metabolism of diazepam.

Special Populations Hepatic Impairment: No pharmacokinetic studies were conducted with diazepam rectal gel in hepatically impaired subjects. Literature review indicates that following administration of 0.1 to 0.15 mg/kg of diazepam intravenously, the half-life of diazepam was prolonged by two to five-fold in subjects with alcoholic cirrhosis (n=24) compared to age-matched control subjects (n=37) with a corresponding decrease in clearance by half: however, the exact degree of hepatic impairment in these subjects was not characterized in this literature (see PRECAUTIONS ).

Renal Impairment: The pharmacokinetics of diazepam have not been studied in renally impaired subjects (see PRECAUTIONS ). Pediatrics: No pharmacokinetic studies were conducted with diazepam rectal gel in the pediatric population. However, literature review indicates that following IV administration (0.33 mg/kg), diazepam has a longer half-life in neonates (birth up…

📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ~2 min read

HOW SUPPLIED Diazepam rectal gel rectal delivery system is a non-sterile, prefilled, unit dose, rectal delivery system. The rectal delivery system includes a plastic applicator with a flexible, molded tip available in two lengths, designated for convenience as 10 mg Delivery System and 20 mg Delivery System. The available doses from 20 mg delivery system are 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 17.5 mg and 20 mg.

The available doses from 10 mg delivery system are 5 mg, 7.5 mg and 10 mg. The diazepam rectal gel delivery system is available in the following three presentations: Diazepam Rectal Gel Rectal Tip Size NDC 2.5 mg Twin Pack 4.4 cm 68682-650-20 Diazepam Rectal Gel Rectal Delivery System Rectal Tip Size NDC 10 mg Delivery 4.4 cm 68682-652-20 System Twin Pack 20 mg Delivery 6.0 cm 68682-655-20 System Twin Pack Each Twin Pack contains two diazepam rectal gel delivery systems, two packets of lubricating jelly, and administration and disposal Instructions available on the bottom of the package.

Diazepam rectal gel rectal delivery system is also packed with Instructions for Caregivers upon receipt from pharmacy. Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Diazepam Rectal Gel Rectal Delivery System INSTRUCTIONS FOR CAREGIVERS UPON RECEIPT FROM PHARMACY Remove the syringe from the case.

Confirm the dose prescribed by your doctor is visible and if known, is correct. FOR EACH SYRINGE: Confirm that the prescribed dose is visible in the dose display window. Confirm that the green “READY” band is visible.

Return the syringe to the case. SEE PHARMACIST IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE INSTRUCTIONS. The Instructions are also available on the bottom of each drug product package.

CAUTION: Federal law prohibits the transfer of this drug to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Distributed by: Oceanside Pharmaceuticals, a division of Bausch Health US, LLC Bridgewater, NJ 08807 USA Manufactured by: DPT Laboratories, Ltd. San Antonio, TX 78215 USA © 2023 Bausch Health Companies Inc. or its affiliates 9570805 Rev.

07/2023

📋 Description 84 words

DESCRIPTION Diazepam rectal gel rectal delivery system is a non-sterile diazepam gel provided in a prefilled, unit-dose, rectal delivery system. Diazepam rectal gel contains 5 mg/mL diazepam, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol (1.5%), ethyl alcohol (10%), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, propylene glycol, purified water, and sodium benzoate. Diazepam rectal gel is clear to slightly yellow and has a pH between 6.5-7.5.

Diazepam, the active ingredient of diazepam rectal gel, is a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant with the chemical name 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2 H -1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one. The structural formula is as follows: chemstructure

Source: FDA Structured Product Labeling, mirrored from DailyMed / openFDA. Prefer the government’s original formatting? View this label on DailyMed ↗
For educational and professional reference only — not medical advice. Pricing reflects published NADAC and CMS ASP (free public data) and may differ from your acquisition cost; always verify before billing or dispensing.