Diazepam in rectal solution as premedication in children, with special reference to serum concentrations

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.