Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce the publication of this latest position statement produced by the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacist Group (NPPG) and endorsed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) regarding use and administration of small doses of rectal diazepam in neonates and infants. This position statement has been prepared following discontinuation of 2.5mg diazepam rectal tubes and provides practical advice on how to administer 1.25mg and 2.5mg doses using the 5mg diazepam rectal tube preparation.

We hope that this position statement helps provide support to those services that need to administer rectal diazepam to neonates and infants.

Nigel Gooding, Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacist Group Chair