Valtoco is a brand name for a nasal spray containing diazepam, a benzodiazepine medication. It’s a rescue medication intended for short-term use to treat seizure clusters in adults and children ages 6 and up.
Getting the Valtoco dosage right is extremely important. Valtoco dosage is based on body weight, so it’s crucial to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions. Don’t take more or less than prescribed.
There are some serious warnings associated with Valtoco, including boxed warnings from the FDA about misuse, addiction, and dependence/withdrawal. Taking Valtoco with opioid medications can also cause dangerous side effects, including difficulty breathing.
This article will explain everything you need to know about Valtoco dosage and how to use this medication safely and effectively.
Understanding Valtoco: Form, Strengths, and Mechanism
Valtoco is a prescription medication used to treat seizure clusters in people ages six and older. Here’s a quick look at its form, strength, and mechanism of action.
Valtoco Form and Strengths
Valtoco is administered as a nasal spray. Each spray device is intended for a single use only.
It comes in three different strengths:
- 5 mg per 0.1 mL of solution
- 7.5 mg per 0.1 mL of solution
- 10 mg per 0.1 mL of solution
How Valtoco Works
The active ingredient in Valtoco is diazepam, which is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines work by boosting the effects of a brain neurotransmitter called GABA, which inhibits brain activity. By enhancing the effects of GABA, diazepam can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
Valtoco Dosage for Seizures in Adults
If your doctor has prescribed Valtoco for your seizures, it’s critical to use it exactly as prescribed and at the prescribed dosage. Here’s what you should know about Valtoco dosages for adults.
Standard Dosage Guidelines
Valtoco dosage is based on your weight. Here’s a general guide to Valtoco dosages:
- If you weigh between 62 and 110 pounds (28 to 50 kg): a single 10-mg dose
- If you weigh between 112 and 165 pounds (51 to 75 kg): two 7.5-mg doses, for a total of 15mg
- If you weigh 167 pounds or more (76 kg and more): two 10-mg doses, for a total of 20mg
Valtoco is available in dosages of 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg per 0.1 mL of solution.
Important Considerations
You should never take more than two doses of Valtoco per seizure episode.
If you need a second dose, you must wait at least four hours between doses.
Also, you should only use Valtoco for one seizure episode every five days, and no more than five episodes per month.
Valtoco Dosage for Seizures in Children
Valtoco has been approved to treat seizure clusters in children ages 6 and older. The dose for children is based on their weight, so it’s important to know your child’s weight to prescribe the correct dose. The typical dose is 0.3 mg per kilogram of body weight.
Here’s a handy dosage table based on weight ranges:
| Weight | Dose |
|---|---|
| 10 to 18 kg (around 22 to 40 lbs) | One 5-mg device (5mg) |
| 19 to 37 kg (around 42 to 82 lbs) | One 10-mg device (10mg) |
| 38 to 55 kg (around 84 to 121 lbs) | Two 7.5-mg devices (15mg) |
| 56 to 74 kg (around 124 to 163 lbs) | Two 10-mg devices (20mg) |
A few important things to keep in mind:
- The maximum recommended dose is two doses per seizure cluster, and a maximum of five clusters per month.
- It’s critical to get an accurate weight measurement for your child.
- Caregivers should be trained on how to administer Valtoco properly.
How do you use Valtoco?
Valtoco is a nasal spray, and it’s designed to be as easy to use as possible. Here’s how to use it:
- Make sure the person receiving the medication is lying down or sitting up.
- Put the tip of the Valtoco device into one nostril.
- Press the plunger to deliver the dose.
It’s also important to remember that Valtoco is a single-use device. That means you can’t use it more than once, even if there’s medicine left over. Throw it away safely after you use it.
If you’re a caregiver, make sure you know how to give Valtoco to someone else. You might need to help them if they can’t do it themselves.
Warnings, Precautions, and Potential Side Effects
Like any medication, Valtoco carries certain risks and potential side effects. It’s important to be aware of these before starting treatment.
Boxed Warnings and Precautions
The FDA requires that Valtoco carry a “black box” warning, the agency’s most prominent warning, related to opioid use. Taking Valtoco along with opioids can significantly raise your risk of serious side effects, including slowed or stopped breathing, coma, and even death.
Valtoco also carries the risk of misuse, addiction, and dependence. Misusing Valtoco can lead to overdose, coma, and death. Even when used as prescribed, Valtoco may cause physical dependence.
Common and Serious Side Effects
Some of the more common side effects of Valtoco include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nasal discomfort
Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Severe allergic reactions
- Suicidal thoughts
Drug Interactions
It’s crucial to tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking, including opioids, alcohol, and other drugs that depress the central nervous system. Combining Valtoco with these substances can increase the risk of dangerous side effects.
What happens if someone overdoses on Valtoco?
Symptoms of a Valtoco overdose include:
- Confusion
- Extreme drowsiness
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Loss of coordination
- Coma
If you think someone has overdosed on Valtoco, get emergency medical help right away. Call 911 or your local poison control center.
Make sure the drug label is easy to read and that the container is easy to open in case of an emergency. If you have any trouble reading the label or opening the container, ask your pharmacist for help.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to Valtoco, always follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter. Never adjust the dose or frequency without talking to them first. Your doctor knows what’s best for you.
It’s also important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects. Pay close attention to the boxed warnings and discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare provider.
Remember, Valtoco is a rescue medication intended to stop seizure clusters. It’s not a long-term treatment for epilepsy. To use Valtoco safely and effectively, follow the dosage instructions, administer the medication correctly, and monitor the person closely after each dose.