Seizure Rescue Medications

There are no clinical indications for one medication over another. The decision should be based on patient/family and provider preference

For Children's Mercy providers, the Discharge Seizure Rescue Medication Pathway powerplan is available for prescribing seizure rescue medications for home use

References

Samanta, D. (2021). Rescue therapies for seizure emergencies: Current and future landscape. Neurological Sciences, 42(10), 4017-4027. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-021-05468-9

Troester, M. M., Hastriter, E. V., & Ng, Y. T. (2010). Dissolving oral clonazepam wafers in the acute treatment of prolonged seizures. Journal of Child Neurology, 25(12), 1468-1472. https://doi.org/10.1177/0883073810368312

These pathways do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different, and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare a pathway for each. Accordingly, these pathways should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.