Effects of the rectal administration of diazepam. Diazepam concentrations in children undergoing general anaesthesia

Diazepam 1 mg/kg body weight was administered rectally to 14 children (11-22.5 kg) before minor surgery under general anaesthesia. Administration in solution (n = 7) resulted in a rapid increase in serum concentrations which were maintained for 8 h. Administration by suppository (n = 7) resulted in significantly lower serum concentrations at 10 and 20 min, but higher concentrations at 2 h. At other intervals the concentrations did not differ from those reached after administration of diazepam in rectal solution. These results favour for use of a solution when rectal diazepam is used for premedication in children.