Name of the medicine:

Buccal midazolam

Different brands and strengths are available.

The information given in this leaflet should be read along with any patient information leaflet provided by the manufacturer with your medicine. Click Search Results - (emc) (medicines.org.uk)

What is it for?

Buccal midazolam is used to treat seizures. A relative, carer or healthcare professional will give this to you during a seizure to stop it.

Most medicines available in the UK have a licence. The licence describes the conditions the medicine can be used to treat, and how the medicine can be given. The manufacturer of the medicine has to show that the medicine is safe and made to a high standard before the medicine is licenced.

The use of buccal midazolam to treat seizures in adults is outside its licence, although it is licenced for use in children. Medicines used in palliative care are quite often used this way. There is experience and research to support the use of midazolam in this way. The person who prescribed your medicine will have carefully considered the benefits for you.

The information in this leaflet is not included in the information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

We are giving you this extra leaflet to tell you about the reason(s) why you are taking this medicine and to highlight other information. You should read both leaflets. 

What form(s) of this medicine are there and how is it usually taken?

The medicine is supplied in a syringe.

The instructions below can help the person giving you the medicine.

·       Remove the syringe from its outer cover and throw away the cap at the end of the syringe. 

·       Follow the dosing instructions that are on the dispensing label.

·       Using their finger and thumb, they will gently pinch and pull back your cheek.

·       With your head turned either to the right or left, they will place the tip of the syringe into the back of the space between the inside of your cheek and the lower gum (buccal cavity) and slowly push the plunger down until the syringe is empty.

• They will repeat the dose if needed in line with the dispensing label.

The medicine should start to work after 5-10 minutes.

They should dial 999 if the medicine does not seem to be working or if you are having breathing difficulties, including snoring.

What are the most common side effects I might experience?

Buccal midazolam might make you sleepy (drowsy) shortly after you take it. Because of this, we advise you to rest for a while in a comfortable chair or bed immediately after you take the dose.

You MUST NOT drive after being given midazolam as it makes you sleepy. Drowsiness is more likely to occur if you are taking other medicines that cause sleepiness.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/care-support-and-rights/palliative-care/practical-help-and-advice/driving-when-taking-strong-painkillers

In addition to the information above, if you have had a seizure, you MUST NOT drive again until you have discussed with your GP whether it is safe to do so.

 Please tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you are taking.

·       Occasionally, you may also experience light headedness (dizziness) and a dry mouth. If you do experience light headedness, this will usually pass on its own but if it does not, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

·       Do not drink alcohol after taking buccal midazolam because it will make these side effects worse.

Any other important information?

Please remember to order your repeat prescription with a few days spare, to allow it to be processed.

It is important not to order more medication than you need. Even if you return them to the pharmacy in future, they cannot be reused after they have been labelled for your use and must be disposed of.

Your medication needs to be kept in a safe place out of the reach of children.

It is important to store your medication in the original container.

Return ALL unused medication to a pharmacy.

If for any reason a you or your carer are UNABLE to go to the pharmacy, medication can be disposed of at home. However, it is important NOT to flush it down the toilet as this pollutes the water. Medication can be disposed of in a general waste bin, ensuring that cannot be accessed by children or animals, although disposal at a pharmacy is preferable.