Diazepam
Fits: 10 mg IV or 10–20 mg rectally (0.5 mg/kg rectally in children). Common in Pakistan where lorazepam isn't available.
On this page
Dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Fits (adult) | 10 mg IV over 2 minutes, repeat once after 5–10 minutes; or 10–20 mg rectally |
| Fits (child, rectal) | 1 month–1 year 5 mg; 2–11 years 5–10 mg; 12 years and over 10–20 mg |
| Fits (child, IV) | 0.3 mg/kg (max 10 mg) |
| Alcohol withdrawal | Per CIWA protocol (chlordiazepoxide often preferred) |
Cautions
- Breathing depression, especially with other sedatives or alcohol.
- Long-acting: can accumulate in the elderly and liver disease.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rectal diazepam dose for a child having a fit?
5 mg for infants, 5–10 mg for children aged 2–11, and 10–20 mg from 12 years.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Diazepam is covered in our textbook chapter Antiepileptics and sedatives, with practice MCQs.