Diazepam

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Diazepam is used to relieve anxiety, as a hypnotic agent, as an appetite stimulant and to control seizures (fits). Diazepam is a benzodiazepine. These drugs are potentially dependence drugs (your pet may become addicted to this drug).

In Australia diazepam does come as a veterinary injectible formulation. However the tablets and elixirs are human formulations. In Australia veterinarians can prescribe human medications for dogs and cats with no additional paperwork required. So change the following sentence accordingly: Diazepam is not available as a veterinary preparation. Your veterinary surgeon may ask you to sign a consent form so that a preparation licensed for humans can be used to treat your pet.

How do I give this medication?

- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

- If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.

- Try to give this medication at about the same time each day and try not to miss giving any doses.

- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.

- Contact your veterinarian in advance when your pet requires further medication; do not stop treatment abruptly without consulting your veterinarian.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

- While the animal is being treated, your veterinarian will monitor your pet's blood to check liver function.

- Your pet may become more agitated or anxious, but this behaviour should reduce after a short time. Contact your veterinarian if the problem persists or is troublesome. Other common side effects include drowsiness, incoordination and interference with learning and memory, which may affect your pet's training ability.

- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.

- If your pet needs to take diazepam and also an antacid, administer the medicines two hours apart.

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.