Respiratory adverse events associated with diazepam rectal gel

The authors reviewed respiratory adverse events and deaths spontaneously reported to Xcel Pharmaceuticals associated with diazepam rectal gel. Over 2 million doses have been prescribed. The authors identified nine respiratory adverse events and three deaths. The respiratory events associated with prolonged seizures had a good outcome. The deaths occurred in the context of a prolonged seizure and respiratory depression was not the main symptom. When used as recommended, diazepam rectal gel has a low rate of serious morbidity or mortality.