title: Respiratory adverse events associated with diazepam rectal gel.
abstract: The authors reviewed respiratory adverse events and deaths spontaneously reported to Xcel Pharmaceuticals associated with diazepam rectal gel. Over 2 million doses have been prescribed. The authors identified nine respiratory adverse events and three deaths. The respiratory events associated with prolonged seizures had a good outcome. The deaths occurred in the context of a prolonged seizure and respiratory depression was not the main symptom. When used as recommended, diazepam rectal gel has a low rate of serious morbidity or mortality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23298-0211, USA. jpellock@hsc.vcu.edu
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Pellock
authors.forename: Shlomo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shinnar
mesh_terms: D000285:Administration, Rectal; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D009026:Mortality; D009294:Narcotics / Q000009:adverse effects; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000401:mortality* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D005782:Gels; D009294:Narcotics; D003975:Diazepam