Intranasal Midazolam for Seizures

Seizures in children are a frightening experience for families and care providers. Because the duration of seizure activity impacts on morbidity and mortality, effective methods for seizure control should be instituted as soon as possible, preferably before arrival at the hospital. Since parental methods of drug delivery are not available to most caregivers, and rectal diazepam, the most common home therapy, is expensive and often ineffective, new routes of administration are needed. This review examines recent research suggesting that intranasal administration of midazolam is at least as effective as the intravenous route for seizure cessation. Intranasal administration delivers the drug directly to the blood and cerebrospinal fluid via the nasal mucosa. It has been found to be safe, effective, and easy to use by parents and paramedics. MeSH Words: Seizures, Midazolam, Benzodiazepines, Children