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±0.09mg kg⁻¹. The mean serum concentration was 98.5±53.5 ng ml⁻¹ 4min after administration and 206.7±105.8ng ml⁻¹ at 11 min. The correlation between dose and scrum concentration was statistically significant at both times. With a dose of 0.4–0.5 mg kg⁻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.