Nasal Or Rectal benzodiazepines

Nasal Or Rectal Benzodiazepines for Dogs & Cats

Nasal or rectal benzodiazepines, such as midazolam and diazepam (Valium), are used to halt ongoing seizures and decrease the likelihood of subsequent seizures. Veterinarians often prescribe them for pets with cluster seizures or other severe seizure patterns.

Your pet’s veterinary team may direct you to give the full dose during or immediately after a seizure. Up to three doses may be given within a 24-hour period. If your pet needs more than three doses within 24 hours, seek emergency medical care.

Nasal or Rectal Benzodiazepines Dosing & Administration

Nasal or rectal benzodiazepines are used during seizure episodes. Follow the plan from your veterinary team, including giving the full dose during or immediately after a seizure if directed.

Up to three doses may be given within a 24-hour period. If your pet needs more than three doses within 24 hours, seek emergency medical care.

Missed Doses & Changing Medications

Because nasal or rectal benzodiazepines are used during seizure episodes rather than on a set daily schedule, missed doses do not apply in the same way they do for daily medications. If questions come up about timing, spacing doses, or whether the plan needs to change, contact your veterinary team for guidance.

Monitoring & Lab Work

No specific long-term monitoring is recommended when benzodiazepines are used as short-term therapy. If seizure patterns change or there are concerns about side effects, contact your veterinary team for guidance.

Potential Side Effects of Nasal or Rectal Benzodiazepines

Sedation is the most common side effect. Sedation may be excessive in less tolerant pets or when combined with other medications. If sedation is severe, skip the next dose and contact your veterinarian to discuss dose adjustment.

These medications may cause hunger, especially in cats.

In cats, the use of benzodiazepines can lead to serious liver issues. Although this side effect is rare, it can be fatal. For that reason, veterinary teams recommend using benzodiazepines with caution in feline patients.

Nasal or Rectal Benzodiazepines FAQs

  • In dogs and cats, nasal or rectal benzodiazepines are used to halt ongoing seizures and decrease the likelihood of subsequent seizures.

  • Your veterinary team may instruct you to give the full dose of a nasal or rectal benzodiazepine during a seizure or immediately after one. If anything feels unclear in the moment, contact your veterinary team for guidance.

  • Up to three doses of nasal or rectal benzodiazepines may be given within a 24-hour period. If more than three doses are needed, seek emergency medical care.

  • Sedation is the most common side effect of nasal or rectal benzodiazepines. Sedation may be excessive in less tolerant patients or when combined with other medications. If sedation is severe, skip the next dose and contact your veterinarian to discuss dose adjustment.

  • Yes. Nasal or rectal benzodiazepines may cause hunger, especially in cats. In cats, benzodiazepines can lead to serious liver issues. Although rare, this side effect can be fatal, so veterinary teams recommend caution in feline patients.