1. INTRODUCTION TRAINING PROGRAMME
Berkshire West Primary Care Trusts EPILEPSY AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF RECTAL DIAZEPAM
INTRODUCTION
TRAINING PROGRAMME
Berkshire West Primary Care Trusts is a collaboration between Newbury and Community, Reading and Wokingham PCTs

2. EPILEPSY AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF RECTAL DIAZEPAM
AIMS OF THE SESSION:
to demonstrate how and when to give Rectal Diazepam
to offer advice to help staff to cope with an emergency situation with a client who has epilepsy

3. LEARNING OUTCOMES RECTAL DIAZEPAM
have received instruction in the administration of Rectal Diazepam
have received instruction in the appropriate use of the documentation required
be informed of the emergency procedures if Rectal Diazepam fails to control a seizure or cannot be given

4. WHAT IS RECTAL DIAZEPAM?
Diazepam has anticonvulsant, anxiety reduction, sedative and muscle relaxant effects
It is given rectally as the medication is readily absorbed via this route

5. Respiratory depression
SIDE EFFECTS
Drowsiness
Respiratory depression
Muscle weakness
Slurred speech
Confusion
Fatigue
Depression

6. WHY GIVE RECTAL DIAZEPAM?
To Stop Prolonged Seizures
To Prevent Status Epilepticus
To Prevent Seizure Clusters

7. WHEN TO GIVE RECTAL DIAZEPAM
AS AN EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
When seizure fails to stop within time indicated on care-plan or
When the person has had a number of seizures within a prescribed time as indicated on the care-plan

8. POSSIBLE PROBLEMS IN ADMINISTERING RECTAL DIAZEPAM
Tension/spasm of the rectum (inserting the rectal tube too quickly
The seizure may begin again
Prolapse of the rectum/piles
Constipation
Incontinence of faeces

9. O/H
Care Plan
Policy/Procedure

10. PRIOR TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF RECTAL DIAZEPAM
Before you start
note time of onset of seizure
alert second member of staff
collect medication pack
Always check with another person
consent
name
dose
expiry date

11. PROCEDURES FOR ADMINISTRATION OF RECTAL DIAZEPAM
If no improvement after 5 mins or as stated on the careplan administer Rectal Diazepam and note time
lay person on left side or on back (with a cushion under buttocks, if possible)
2. put on protective gloves
3. remove cap from end of tube
carefully insert nozzle into the rectum (1/2 length of nozzle in children under two) and squeeze pack empty
slowly remove nozzle continuing to squeeze Sachet. Hold person’s buttocks together for a few minutes, if possible, to prevent leakage
6. lie person in recovery position to sleep, keep person under close observation
If seizure has not stopped after 10 mins or as stated in the careplan DIAL 999 for an ambulance
The person should be escorted to hospital if at all possible

12. ADMINISTRATION OF RECTAL DIAZEPAM
inform all carers involved, e.g.
residential, home, day centre staff,
parents
complete Record of Use of Diazepam
complete and send notification form to home/parent/carer

13. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
999
CPR

14. IN THE EVENT OF ADMISSION TO HOSPITAL
It is important that the following details accompany the person:
time of onset of seizure, trigger, length of seizure and length of recovery
time and dose of rectal diazepam given
continence
personal details

15. SUMMARY know your client follow agreed procedure keep accurate records
maintain good communication between all concerned
review epilepsy medication regularly with GP or Consultant

16. CONTACT DETAILS
READING LOCALITY Fiona Simpson/Barbara Chandler, Reading Community Team for People with Learning Disability, PO Box 2624, Reading, RG1 7WB 
NEWBURY LOCALITY Nicky Macdonald, Newbury Community Team for People with Learning Disability, Northcroft Wing, Avonbank House, West Street,Newbury, RG14 1BZ 
WOKINGHAM LOCALITY Mary Codling, Wokingham Team for People with Learning Disability, 2nd Floor, Wellington House, Wellington Rd, Wokingham, RG40 2AG
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