Valium for post op comfort (1414)

Alert: Call 911 if your child is too sleepy, does not wake easily, has trouble breathing or has swelling of the face or lips.

What is Valium?

It is a medicine that can be used to help with comfort. It is most often used after orthopedic procedures. It can be used for other surgeries. Valium helps to relax tight or twitching muscles. These are called muscle spasms. It can also be used to treat seizures.

This teaching sheet is only about the use of valium after surgery.

What are the side effects?

• Rash
• Itching
• Feeling sleepy, tired or weak
• Belly pain or diarrhea
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Hard to breathe
• Slow heart rate

When to give this medicine

• This medicine should be given to your child only if they are having spasms.
• Only give this medicine if your child is awake and alert. Never wake your child to give this medicine.
• Always wait at least 6 hours before giving the next dose.
• Your child may be on other pain medicines. These include acetaminophen, (Tylenol®), Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or an opioid (strong pain medicine) like oxycodone.

- Your child can take Tylenol or Ibuprofen at the same time as the Valium.

- Do not give Valium and an opioid like oxycodone at the same time. They both cause sleepiness. Together they can make your child too sleepy and it may be unsafe. Always wait at least 1 hour between giving a strong pain medicine and giving Valium.

How to give this medicine

• Valium comes as a liquid or tablet.
• Your child’s doctor will tell you how much your child should take.
• Follow your doctor’s direction. Never give more than your doctor tells you

- If you need to give less than a full tablet, talk to your pharmacist about how to cut the tablet. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor about changing the prescription to liquid.

- If your child is taking the liquid, measure it in a syringe. You can get one from your nurse or pharmacy.

How to safely use, store and get rid of this medicine

• Keep all medicine up and out of reach or locked up to keep children safe. Only people who need to give this medicine should know where it is kept. Even teenagers should be given this medicine by an adult.
• Never share prescription medicines with others. This is dangerous and can cause serious harm and deaths. It is also against the law.
• When your child no longer needs this medicine, get rid of the unused medicine. Do not save it. Some pharmacies and police stations will take leftover medicine. To find a location, visit the Dose of Reality website: https://doseofrealitywi.gov/drug- takeback/find-a-take-back-location.
• Do not throw it in the sink, toilet, or garbage.

Other teaching sheets that may be helpful

• #1360 Going home with medicine
• #1763 Pain management at home

ALERT: Call your child’s doctor if you or your child have any concerns or if your child:

• is not getting good pain relief.
• has any side effects to this medicine.
• has special health care needs not covered by this information.

For other health and wellness information, check out this resource:

https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

This sheet was created to help you care for your child or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.