2.1 Instructions Prior to Dosing

Prior to treatment, healthcare professionals should instruct the individual administering Diazepam buccal film on how to identify seizure clusters and use the product appropriately [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Patient Counseling Information (17)].

2.2 Dosage Information

The recommended dose of Diazepam buccal film is dependent on the patient’s weight and is provided in Table 1.

SecondDose (if needed): A second dose, when required, may be administered at least 4 hours after the first dose.

Maximum Dosage and Treatment Frequency: Do not use more than 2 doses of Diazepam buccal film to treat a single episode.

It is recommended that Diazepam buccal film be used to treat no more than one episode every five days and no more than five episodes per month.

2.3 Important Administration Instructions

Patients and caregivers should be counseled to read carefully the “Instructions for Use” carefully for complete directions on how to properly administer Diazepam buccal film. 

Diazepam buccal film is a rectangular green buccal film that dissolves when applied on the inside of the mouth on top of the surface of the cheek. Do not split Diazepam buccal film, the entire dose should be applied and allowed to dissolve [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. Do not administer Diazepam buccal film with liquids.

Diazepam buccal film dosing may be administered without regard to food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

5.1 Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids

Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, including Diazepam buccal film, and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids for patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioids alone. If a decision is made to prescribe Diazepam buccal film concomitantly with opioids, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use, and follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when Diazepam buccal film is used with opioids [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

5.2 Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction

The use of benzodiazepines, including Diazepam buccal film, exposes users to the risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines often (but not always) involve the use of doses greater than the maximum recommended dosage and commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes, including respiratory depression, overdose, or death [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2)].  

Before prescribing Diazepam buccal film and throughout treatment, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Use of Diazepam buccal film, particularly in patients at elevated risk, necessitates counseling about the risks and proper use of Diazepam buccal film along with monitoring for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction. Do not exceed the recommended dosing frequency; avoid or minimize concomitant use of CNS depressants and other substances associated with abuse, misuse, and addiction (e.g., opioid analgesics, stimulants); and advise patients on the proper disposal of unused drug. If a substance use disorder is suspected, evaluate the patient and institute (or refer them for) early treatment, as appropriate.

5.3 Dependence and Withdrawal ReactionsAfter Use of Diazepam buccal film More Frequently Than Recommended

For patients using Diazepam buccal film more frequently than recommended, to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue Diazepam buccal film (a patient-specific plan should be used to taper the dose).

Patients at an increased risk of withdrawal adverse reactions after benzodiazepine discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction include those who take higher dosages, and those who have had longer durations of use.

Acute Withdrawal Reactions

The continued use of benzodiazepines may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. Although Diazepam buccal film is indicated only for intermittent use [see Indications and Usage (1) and Dosage and Administration (2)], if used more frequently than recommended, abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of Diazepam buccal film, or administration of flumazenil (a benzodiazepine antagonist) may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening (e.g., seizures) [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)].

Protracted Withdrawal Syndrome

In some cases, benzodiazepine users have developed a protracted withdrawal syndrome with withdrawal symptoms lasting weeks to more than 12 months [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)].

5.4 Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression

Because Diazepam buccal film produces CNS depression, patients receiving this drug, who are otherwise capable and qualified to do so should be cautioned against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring mental alertness, such as operating machinery, driving a motor vehicle, or riding a bicycle, until the effects of the drug, such as drowsiness, have subsided, and as their medical condition permits.

Although Diazepam buccal film is indicated for use solely on an intermittent basis, the potential for a synergistic CNS-depressant effect when used simultaneously with alcohol or other CNS depressants must be considered by the prescriber, and appropriate recommendations made to the patient and/or caregiver.

5.5 Suicidal Behavior and Ideation

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including Diazepam buccal film, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Patients treated with any AED for any indication should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior.

Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical trials (mono- and adjunctive therapy) of 11 different AEDs showed that patients randomized to one of the AEDs had approximately twice the risk (adjusted Relative Risk 1.8, 95% CI:1.2, 2.7) of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients randomized to placebo. In these trials, which had a median treatment duration of 12 weeks, the estimated incidence rate of suicidal behavior or ideation among 27,863 AED-treated patients was 0.43%, compared to 0.24% among 16,029 placebo-treated patients, representing an increase of approximately one case of suicidal thinking or behavior for every 530 patients treated. There were four suicides in drug-treated patients in the trials and none in placebo-treated patients, but the number is too small to allow any conclusion about drug effect on suicide.

The increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior with AEDs was observed as early as one week after starting drug treatment with AEDs and persisted for the duration of treatment assessed. Because most trials included in the analysis did not extend beyond 24 weeks, the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior beyond 24 weeks could not be assessed. The risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior was generally consistent among drugs in the data analyzed. The finding of increased risk with AEDs of varying mechanisms of action and across a range of indications suggests that the risk applies to all AEDs used for any indication. The risk did not vary substantially by age (5-100 years) in the clinical trials analyzed. Table 2 shows absolute and relative risk by indication for all evaluated AEDs.

The relative risk for suicidal thoughts or behavior was higher in clinical trials for epilepsy than in clinical trials for psychiatric or other conditions, but the absolute risk differences were similar for the epilepsy and psychiatric indications.

Anyone considering prescribing Diazepam buccal film, or any other AED, must balance the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors with the risk of untreated illness. Epilepsy and many other illnesses for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Should suicidal thoughts and behavior emerge during treatment, the prescriber needs to consider whether the emergence of these symptoms in any given patient may be related to the illness being treated.

5.6 Glaucoma

Benzodiazepines, including Diazepam buccal film, can increase intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. Diazepam buccal film may be used in patients with open-angle glaucoma only if they are receiving appropriate therapy. Diazepam buccal film is contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.

5.7 Neonatal Sedation and Withdrawal Syndrome

Use of Diazepam buccal film late in pregnancy can result in sedation (respiratory depression, lethargy, hypotonia) and/or withdrawal symptoms (hyperreflexia, irritability, restlessness, tremors, inconsolable crying, and feeding difficulties) in the neonate [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Monitor neonates exposed to Diazepam buccal film during pregnancy or labor for signs of sedation and monitor neonates exposed to Diazepam buccal film during pregnancy for signs of withdrawal; manage these infants accordingly.

5.8 Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions in Infants due to Benzyl Alcohol Preservative

Diazepam buccal film is not approved for use in neonates or infants. Serious and fatal adverse reactions including “gasping syndrome” can occur in neonates and low birth weight infants treated with benzyl alcohol-preserved drugs, including Diazepam buccal film. The “gasping syndrome” is characterized by central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, and gasping respirations. The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which serious adverse reactions may occur is not known (Diazepam buccal film contains 3.96 to 15.84 mg of benzyl alcohol per buccal film) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of Diazepam buccal film is supported by clinical trials using diazepam rectal gel; pharmacokinetic studies of Diazepam buccal film in healthy subjects and epilepsy patients; and an open-label long-term safety and tolerability study of Diazepam buccal film in epilepsy patients.

Diazepam Rectal Gel

In studies previously conducted with diazepam rectal gel, adverse event data were collected from double-blind, placebo-controlled studies and open-label studies. The majority of adverse events were mild to moderate in severity and transient in nature.

Two patients who received diazepam rectal gel died seven to 15 weeks following treatment; neither of these deaths was deemed related to diazepam rectal gel.

The most frequent adverse reactions (at least 5%) in the two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were somnolence and headache. Table 3 lists adverse reactions that occurred in greater than 1% of patients enrolled in parallel-group, placebo-controlled trials and were numerically more common in the diazepam rectal gel group than placebo. Adverse reactions were usually mild or moderate in intensity.

Approximately 1.4% of the 573 patients who received diazepam rectal gel in clinical trials of epilepsy discontinued treatment because of an adverse event. The adverse reaction most frequently associated with discontinuation (occurring in three patients) was somnolence. Other adverse reactions most commonly associated with discontinuation and occurring in two patients were hypoventilation and rash. Adverse reactions associated with discontinuation occurring in one patient were asthenia, hyperkinesia, incoordination, vasodilatation, and urticaria.

In the two double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group studies [see Clinical Studies (14)], the proportion of patients who discontinued treatment because of adverse events was 2% for the group treated with diazepam rectal gel, versus 2% for the placebo group. In the diazepam rectal gel group, one patient discontinued because of rash and one patient discontinued because of lethargy.

Diazepam buccal film

Clinical studies, which included healthy adults and patients with epilepsy 12 years of age and older, were conducted to support the safety and tolerability of Diazepam buccal film for the treatment of acute repetitive seizures. A total of 176 patients received Diazepam buccal film, of whom 107 received Diazepam buccal film for at least 6 months, and 48 for at least 1 year. The adverse reactions reported in these studies were similar to those seen in efficacy trials of diazepam rectal gel.

Other Adverse Reactions

Diazepam rectal gel was administered to 573 patients with epilepsy during all clinical trials, only some of which were placebo-controlled. All of the events listed below occurred in at least 1% of the 573 individuals exposed to diazepam rectal gel.

Body as a Whole: Asthenia

Cardiovascular: Hypotension, vasodilatation

Nervous: Agitation, confusion, convulsion, dysarthria, emotional lability, speech disorder, thinking abnormal, vertigo

Respiratory: Hiccup

The following infrequent adverse events have been reported previously with diazepam use: depression, slurred speech, syncope, constipation, changes in libido, urinary retention, bradycardia, cardiovascular collapse, nystagmus, urticaria, neutropenia, and jaundice.

Paradoxical reactions such as acute hyperexcited states, anxiety, hallucinations, increased muscle spasticity, insomnia, rage, sleep disturbances and stimulation have been reported with other diazepam products. If these events occur with the use of Diazepam buccal film, the prescriber should consider discontinuation of use.

7.1 Effect of Concomitant Use of Benzodiazepines and Opioids

The concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids increases the risk of respiratory depression because of actions at different receptor sites in the CNS that control respiration. Benzodiazepines interact at GABAA sites, and opioids interact primarily at mu receptors. When benzodiazepines and opioids are combined, the potential for benzodiazepines to significantly worsen opioid-related respiratory depression exists. Limit dosage and duration of concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids and follow patients closely for respiratory depression and sedation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

7.2 CNS Depressants and Alcohol

Coadministration of other CNS depressants (e.g., valproate) or consumption of alcohol may potentiate the CNS-depressant effects of diazepam [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

7.3 Effect of Other Drugs onDiazepam buccal film Metabolism

Potential interactions may occur when diazepam is given concurrently with agents that affect CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 activity.

Inhibitors of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4

Inhibitors of CYP2C19 (e.g., cimetidine, quinidine, and tranylcypromine) and CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, troleandomycin, and clotrimazole) could decrease the rate of diazepam elimination; therefore, adverse reactions to Diazepam buccal film may be increased.

Inducers of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4

Inducers of CYP2C19 (e.g., rifampin) and CYP3A4 (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, dexamethasone, and phenobarbital) could increase the rate of diazepam elimination; therefore, efficacy of Diazepam buccal film may be decreased.

7.4 Effect of Diazepam buccal filmon the Metabolism of Other Drugs

Diazepam is a substrate for CYP2C19 and CYP3A4; therefore, it is possible that Diazepam buccal film may interfere with the metabolism of drugs which are substrates for CYP2C19, (e.g. omeprazole, propranolol, and imipramine) and CYP3A4 (e.g. cyclosporine, paclitaxel, theophylline, and warfarin) leading to a potential drug-drug interaction [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.1 Pregnancy

Pregnancy Exposure Registry

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as Diazepam buccal film, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to recommend that pregnant women who are taking Diazepam buccal film during pregnancy enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334 or visiting http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/.

Risk Summary

Infants born to mothers using benzodiazepines late in pregnancy have been reported to experience symptoms of sedation and/or neonatal withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) and Clinical Considerations]. Available data from published observational studies of pregnant women exposed to benzodiazepines do not report a clear association with benzodiazepines and major birth defects (seeHumanData).

In animal studies, administration of diazepam during the organogenesis period of pregnancy resulted in increased incidences of fetal malformations at doses greater than those used clinically. Data for diazepam and other benzodiazepines suggest the possibility of increased neuronal cell death and long-term effects on neurobehavioral and immunological function based on findings in animals following prenatal or early postnatal exposure at clinically relevant doses (see Animal Data).

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

Benzodiazepines cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression, hypotonia, and sedation in neonates. Monitor neonates exposed to Diazepam buccal film during pregnancy or labor for signs of sedation, respiratory depression, hypotonia, and feeding problems. Monitor neonates exposed to Diazepam buccal film during pregnancy for signs of withdrawal. Manage these neonates accordingly [seeWarnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Data

Human Data

Published data from observational studies on the use of benzodiazepines during pregnancy do not report a clear association with benzodiazepines and major birth defects. 

Although early studies reported an increased risk of congenital malformations with diazepam and chlordiazepoxide, there was no consistent pattern noted. In addition, the majority of more recent case-control and cohort studies of benzodiazepine use during pregnancy, which were adjusted for confounding exposures to alcohol, tobacco and other medications, have not confirmed these findings.

Animal Data

Diazepam has been shown to produce increased incidences of fetal malformations in mice and hamsters when given orally at single doses of 100 mg/kg or greater (approximately 13 times a human dose of 0.6 mg/kg/day or greater on a mg/m2 basis). Cleft palate and exencephaly are the most common and consistently reported malformations produced in these species by administration of high, maternally toxic doses of diazepam during organogenesis.

In published animal studies, administration of benzodiazepines or other drugs that enhance GABAergic neurotransmission to neonatal rats has been reported to result in widespread apoptotic neurodegeneration in the developing brain at plasma concentrations relevant for seizure control in humans. The window of vulnerability to these changes in rats (postnatal days 0-14) includes a period of brain development corresponding to that taking place during the third trimester of pregnancy in humans.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

Diazepam is excreted in human milk.

There are reports of sedation, poor feeding and poor weight gain in infants exposed to benzodiazepines through breast milk. There are no data to assess the effects of diazepam and/or its active metabolite(s) on milk production. 

The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Diazepam buccal film and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Diazepam buccal film or from the underlying maternal condition.

Clinical Considerations

Infants exposed to Diazepam buccal film through breast milk should be monitored for sedation, poor feeding and poor weight gain.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of Diazepam buccal film have been established in pediatric patients 12 years to 16 years of age. Use of Diazepam buccal film in this age group is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of diazepam rectal gel in adult and pediatric patients, adult bioavailability studies comparing Diazepam buccal film with diazepam rectal gel, patient pharmacokinetic data, and an open-label safety study of Diazepam buccal film including patients 12 years to 16 years of age [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), and Clinical Studies (14)].

Safety and effectiveness of Diazepam buccal film in pediatric patients below the age of 12 have not been established.

Diazepam buccal film is not approved for use in neonates or infants.

• Prolonged CNS depression has been observed in neonates treated with diazepam.
• Serious adverse reactions including fatal reactions and the “gasping syndrome” occurred in premature neonates and low-birth-weight infants in the neonatal intensive care unit who received drugs containing benzyl alcohol as a preservative. In these cases, benzyl alcohol dosages of 99 to 234 mg/kg/day produced high levels of benzyl alcohol and its metabolites in the blood and urine (blood levels of benzyl alcohol were 0.61 to 1.378 mmol/L). Additional adverse reactions included gradual neurological deterioration, seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, hematologic abnormalities, skin breakdown, hepatic and renal failure, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Preterm, low -birth-weight infants may be more likely to develop these reactions because they may be less able to metabolize benzyl alcohol. The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which serious adverse reactions may occur is not known (Diazepam buccal film contains 3.96 to 15.84 mg of benzyl alcohol per buccal film) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of LIVERVANT did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

In elderly patients Diazepam buccal film should be used with caution because of an increase in half-life with a corresponding decrease in the clearance of free diazepam [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. It is also recommended that the dosage be decreased to reduce the likelihood of ataxia or oversedation.

8.6 Compromised Respiratory Function

Diazepam buccal film should be used with caution in patients with compromised respiratory function related to a concurrent disease process (e.g., asthma, pneumonia) or neurologic damage.

9.1 Controlled Substance

Diazepam buccal film contains diazepam, a Schedule IV controlled substance.

9.2 Abuse

Diazepam buccal film is a benzodiazepine and a CNS depressant with a potential for abuse and addiction. Abuse is the intentional, non-therapeutic use of a drug, even once, for its desirable psychological or physiological effects. Misuse is the intentional use, for therapeutic purposes, of a drug by an individual in a way other than prescribed by a health care provider or for whom it was not prescribed. Drug addiction is a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that may include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling drug use (e.g., continuing drug use despite harmful consequences, giving a higher priority to drug use than other activities and obligations), and possible tolerance or physical dependence. Even taking benzodiazepines as prescribed may put patients at risk for abuse and misuse of their medication. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines may lead to addiction.

Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines often (but not always) involve the use of doses greater than the maximum recommended dosage and commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes, including respiratory depression, overdose, or death. Benzodiazepines are often sought by individuals who abuse drugs and other substances, and by individuals with addictive disorders [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

The following adverse reactions have occurred with benzodiazepine abuse and/or misuse: abdominal pain, amnesia, anorexia, anxiety, aggression, ataxia, blurred vision, confusion, depression, disinhibition, disorientation, dizziness, euphoria, impaired concentration and memory, indigestion, irritability, muscle pain, slurred speech, tremors, and vertigo.

The following severe adverse reactions have occurred with benzodiazepine abuse and/or misuse: delirium, paranoia, suicidal ideation and behavior, seizures, coma, breathing difficulty, and death. Death is more often associated with polysubstance use (especially benzodiazepines with other CNS depressants such as opioids and alcohol).

9.3 Dependence

Physical Dependence After Use of Diazepam buccal film More Frequently Than Recommended

Diazepam buccal film may produce physical dependence if used more frequently than recommended. Physical dependence is a state that develops as a result of physiological adaptation in response to repeated drug use, manifested by withdrawal signs and symptoms after abrupt discontinuation or a significant dose reduction of a drug. Although Diazepam buccal film is indicated only for intermittent use [see Indications and Usage (1) and Dosage and Administration (2)], if used more frequently than recommended, abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction or administration of flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist, may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, including seizures, which can be life-threatening. Patients at an increased risk of withdrawal adverse reactions after benzodiazepine discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction include those who take higher dosages (i.e., higher and/or more frequent doses) and those who have had longer durations of use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

For patients using Diazepam buccal film more frequently than recommended, to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue Diazepam buccal film [seeWarnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Acute Withdrawal Signs and Symptoms

Acute withdrawal signs and symptoms associated with benzodiazepines have included abnormal involuntary movements, anxiety, blurred vision, depersonalization, depression, derealization, dizziness, fatigue, gastrointestinal adverse reactions (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, decreased appetite), headache, hyperacusis, hypertension, irritability, insomnia, memory impairment, muscle pain and stiffness, panic attacks, photophobia, restlessness, tachycardia, and tremor. More severe acute withdrawal signs and symptoms, including life-threatening reactions, have included catatonia, convulsions, delirium tremens, depression, hallucinations, mania, psychosis, seizures, and suicidality.

Protracted Withdrawal Syndrome

Protracted withdrawal syndrome associated with benzodiazepines is characterized by anxiety, cognitive impairment, depression, insomnia, formication, motor symptoms (e.g., weakness, tremor, muscle twitches), paresthesia, and tinnitus that persists beyond 4 to 6 weeks after initial benzodiazepine withdrawal. Protracted withdrawal symptoms may last weeks to more than 12 months. As a result, there may be difficulty in differentiating withdrawal symptoms from potential re-emergence or continuation of symptoms for which the benzodiazepine was being used.

Tolerance

Tolerance to Diazepam buccal film may develop after use more frequently than recommended. Tolerance is a physiological state characterized by a reduced response to a drug after repeated administration (i.e., a higher dose of a drug is required to produce the same effect that was once obtained at a lower dose). Tolerance to the therapeutic effect of benzodiazepines may develop; however, little tolerance develops to the amnestic reactions and other cognitive impairments caused by benzodiazepines.

It is recommended that patients be treated with Diazepam buccal film no more frequently than one episode every five days and no more than five episodes per month.

Diazepam buccal film is not recommended for chronic, daily use as an anticonvulsant. Chronic daily use of diazepam may increase the frequency and/or severity of tonic-clonic seizures, requiring an increase in the dosage of standard anticonvulsant medication. In such cases, abrupt withdrawal of chronic diazepam may also be associated with a temporary increase in the frequency and/or severity of seizures.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism of action for diazepam is not fully understood, but is thought to involve potentiation of GABAergic neurotransmission resulting from binding at the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

The effects of diazepam on the CNS are dependent on the dose administered, the route of administration, and the presence or absence of other medications.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of diazepam and desmethyldiazepam following administration of Diazepam buccal film was investigated in adult healthy subjects and in adult patients with epilepsy. The pharmacokinetics of diazepam was linear and dose-proportional in the dose range of 5 mg (half of the lowest recommended dosage) to 20 mg. 

Absorption

Following single doses of Diazepam buccal film administered to healthy adults under fasting conditions, diazepam peak concentration (Cmax) was reached in approximately 1 hour. 

In a pharmacokinetic study in patients with epilepsy, pharmacokinetic parameters were similar between seizure state and non-seizure state.

Effect of Food

The pharmacokinetics of Diazepam buccal film were characterized under fasting, moderate fat, and high fat fed conditions in three clinical studies. Under fed conditions a 33%-47% decrease in Cmax, but no significant change in AUC, was observed relative to fasting state. The recommended dosage of Diazepam buccal film [seeDosage and Administration (2.2)] considers the impact of food on pharmacokinetics of diazepam. As such, Diazepam buccal film may be administered without regard to food.

Distribution

The volume of distribution of diazepam was calculated to be approximately 1.46 L/kg. Both diazepam and its major active metabolite, desmethyldiazepam, bind extensively to plasma proteins (95%-98%).

Elimination

Metabolism

It has been reported in the literature that diazepam is extensively metabolized to one major active metabolite (desmethyldiazepam) and two minor active metabolites, 3-hydroxydiazepam (temazepam) and 3-hydroxy-N-diazepam (oxazepam) in plasma. At therapeutic doses, desmethyldiazepam is found in plasma at concentrations equivalent to those of diazepam while oxazepam and temazepam are not usually detectable. The metabolism of diazepam is primarily hepatic and involves demethylation (involving primarily CYP2C19 and CYP3A4) and 3-hydroxylation (involving primarily CYP3A4), followed by glucuronidation. The marked inter-individual variability in the clearance of diazepam reported in the literature is probably attributable to variability of CYP2C19 (which is known to exhibit genetic polymorphism; about 3-5% of Caucasians have little or no activity and are “poor metabolizers”) and CYP3A4. No inhibition was demonstrated in the presence of inhibitors selective for CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, or CYP1A2, indicating that these enzymes are not significantly involved in metabolism of diazepam.

Excretion

The mean elimination half-lives of diazepam and desmethyldiazepam were found to be approximately 86 hours and 147 hours, respectively.

Specific Populations

Geriatric Patients

A study of single dose IV administration of diazepam (0.1 mg/kg) indicates that the elimination half-life of diazepam increases linearly with age, ranging from about 15 hours at 18 years (healthy young adults) to about 100 hours at 95 years (healthy elderly) with a corresponding decrease in clearance of free diazepam [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

Pediatric Patients

No pediatric pharmacokinetic studies were conducted with Diazepam buccal film. However, literature reviews indicate that following IV administration (0.33 mg/kg), the half-life of diazepam in pediatric patients 12-16 years of age is approximately 18-20 hours.

Patients with Renal Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of diazepam have not been studied in subjects with renal impairment.

Patients with Hepatic Impairment

No pharmacokinetic studies were conducted with Diazepam buccal film in subjects with hepatic impairment. Literature review indicates that following administration of 0.1 to 0.15 mg/kg of diazepam intravenously, the half-life of diazepam was prolonged by two to five-fold in subjects with alcoholic cirrhosis (n=24) compared to age-matched control subjects (n=37) with a corresponding decrease in clearance by half. However, the exact degree of hepatic impairment in these subjects was not characterized in this literature.

Effect of Gender, Race, and Cigarette Smoking

No targeted pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of gender, race, and cigarette smoking on the pharmacokinetics of diazepam. However, covariate analysis of a population of treated patients following administration of diazepam rectal gel, indicated that neither gender nor cigarette smoking had any effect on the pharmacokinetics of diazepam.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

In studies in which mice and rats were administered diazepam in the diet at a dose of 75 mg/kg/day (approximately 10 and 20 times, respectively, a human dose of 0.6 mg/kg/day on a mg/m2 basis) for 80 and 104 weeks, respectively, an increased incidence of liver tumors was observed in males of both species.

Mutagenesis

The data currently available are inadequate to determine the mutagenic potential of diazepam.

Impairment of Fertility

Reproduction studies of diazepam in rats showed decreases in the number of pregnancies and in the number of surviving offspring following administration of an oral dose of 100 mg/kg/day (approximately 27 times a human dose of 0.6 mg/kg/day on a mg/m2 basis) prior to and during mating and throughout gestation and lactation. No adverse effects on fertility or offspring viability were noted at a dose of 80 mg/kg/day (approximately 22 times a human dose of 0.6 mg/kg/day on a mg/m2 basis).

16.1 How Supplied

Diazepam buccal film is supplied as seven strengths of a rectangular green film imprinted in white ink according to their respective strengths and packaged in individual child-resistant polyester/foil laminated pouches.

Diazepam buccal film is supplied in the following packaging sizes:

5 mg film strip imprinted with D5

      Individual pouch: NDC 10094-405-01; Box of 2 pouches: 10094-405-02

7.5 mg film strip imprinted with D7●5

      Individual pouch: NDC 10094-407-01; Box of 2 pouches: 10094-407-02

10 mg film strip imprinted with D10

      Individual pouch: NDC 10094-410-01; Box of 2 pouches: 10094-410-02

12.5 mg film strip imprinted with D12●5

      Individual pouch: NDC 10094-412-01; Box of 2 pouches: 10094-412-02

15 mg film strip imprinted with D15

      Individual pouch: NDC 10094-415-01; Box of 2 pouches: 10094-415-02

17.5 mg film strip imprinted with D17●5

      Individual pouch: NDC 10094-417-01; Box of 2 pouches: 10094-417-02

20 mg film strip imprinted with D20

      Individual pouch: NDC 10094-420-01; Box of 2 pouches: 10094-420-02

16.2 Storage

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].