Seizure Rescue Medications

The most common type of rescue medicines are from a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. These are generally fast-acting, which means they will start to work quickly once they get into the bloodstream.

Benzodiazepines come in different forms. Some can be swallowed in pill form, some can be placed under the tongue or placed between the cheek and the gum, and some can be given rectally or by a nasal spray. They are only given by an injection directly into the blood stream vein in hospital settings.

The names of benzodiazepines that are most commonly used as rescue medications include: diazepam (Valium®), lorazepam (Ativan®), and midazolam (Versed®).

• The availability of these medicines in different forms and how they are used may vary from country to country.
• In the United States, nasal midazolam (brand name Nayzilam®), nasal diazepam (brand name Valtoco®) and rectal diazepam gel (brand name Diastat®), have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for out-of-hospital use for the treatment of acute repetitive seizures or clusters.
• Nasal midazolam is approved for persons aged 12 and older, nasal diazepam is approved for persons aged 6 and older and rectal diazepam is approved for persons aged 2 and older.
• Other benzodiazepines and other forms of these medications have been used in out-of-hospital treatment but have not yet been approved by the FDA.