Plasma levels of diazepam after parenteral and rectal administration in children.
Plasma levels of diazepam and N-desmethyldiazepam were investigated in 19 children by a gas chromatographic method permitting the use of capillary sample. Intravenous administration was studied in 3 children and the plasma level curves showed a rapid decline during the first hour. Absorption and elimination after rectal administration of a solution in 16 children were similar to those after intramuscular administration. Diazepam given by suppository to 5 children gave much lower plasma levels and delayed time to peak levels. Recurrence of seizures in 2 children indicated that the anticonvulsants plasma level was of the order of 150 to 200 mug/liter. No significant side effects were observed. Thus rectal administration of a solution of diazepam is a practical method to arrest convulsions in children.
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004733:Enema; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013488:Suppositories; D013997:Time Factors
D013488:Suppositories; D003975:Diazepam