Diazepam
Diastat is a rectal gel formulation of diazepam, a benzodiazepine medication, designed for the acute treatment of seizure clusters in patients with epilepsy. It is specifically indicated for individuals who experience repetitive seizures and cannot take oral medications, providing rapid seizure control in emergency situations.
Diastat is a rescue medication for controlling acute seizure clusters in epilepsy patients via rectal administration.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 216586
- Generic
- Diastat
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Diastat is indicated for the acute treatment of seizure clusters (also called acute repetitive seizures) in patients with epilepsy aged 2 years and older. It is used when oral medication is not feasible during an active seizure episode.
As a benzodiazepine, Diastat works by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability in the brain, thereby helping to stop seizure activity.
Diastat is a prescription-only rescue medication that should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Caregivers must be properly trained on administration technique. It should not be used in patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma and should be used with caution in patients with respiratory insufficiency or liver impairment. Concurrent use with other CNS depressants should be avoided.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy