EFFECTS OF THE RECTAL ADMINISTRATION OF DIAZEPAM: Diazepam Concentrations in Children Undergoing General Anaesthesia

Diazepam 1 mg/kg body weight was administered rectally to 14children (11–22.5 kg) before minor surgery under generalanaesthesia. Administration in solution (n = 7) resulted ina rapid increase in serum concentrations which were maintainedfor 8 h. Administration by suppository (n = 7) resulted in significantlylower serum concentrations at 10 and 20 min, but higher concentrationsat 2 h. At other intervals the concentrations did not differfrom those reached after administration of diazepam in rectalsolution. These results favour the use of a solution when rectaldiazepam is used for premedication in children.