Is any special monitoring needed when Diastat is given?

After a person has a cluster of seizures and is given Diastat, give the child a place to rest if possible and watch how they are doing for a period of time. The Diastat instructions recommend that someone stay with the person for 4 hours after Diastat is given to make sure that they are not having any changes in their breathing or skin color, or side effects.

Other tips to consider

• If the child is sleepy, let them rest for a while. When they are feeling back to normal, let them return to their usual activity.
• Watch the child to make sure that seizures have stopped. How long this may take will depend on their seizure frequency before Diastat was given and their usual seizure pattern.
• No special monitoring equipment is needed.
• Call for emergency medical help (usually 911) if:
  • Seizure activity continues for 15 minutes after the Diastat is given.
  • Seizures look different than before.
  • A generalized seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
  • Seizures occur one right after the other.
  • Changes in breathing or color are seen.
  • Unusual or serious problems occur.
  • You are worried or bothered by how the child is doing.

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, MD and Patricia O. Shafer, RN, MN.
Last Reviewed:5/25/07