title: Diazepam in rectal solution as premedication in children, with special reference to serum concentrations.
abstract: The absorption of rectal diazepam solution was studied in 22 children aged 1-9 yr by measuring serum concentrations. The mean dose was 0.27 +/- 0.09 mgkg-1. The mean serum concentration was 98.5 +/- 53.5 ng ml-1 4 min after administration and 206.7 +/- 105.8 ng ml-1 at 11 min. The correlation between dose and serum concentration was statistically significant at both times. With a dose of 0.4-05 mgkg-1 an adequate serum concentration was achieved within 5-6 min. No side-effects were observed. A rectal solution provides a faster, more effective and reliable alternative to tablets and suppositories, and to the uncertain i.m. injection of diazepam. Meticulous nursing is important.
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication; D012007:Rectum; D012996:Solutions; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D012996:Solutions; D003975:Diazepam