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Intrarectal diazepam in epileptic adults
C Remy1, N Jourdil, D Villemain
1Centre Medical La Teppe, Tain L'Hermitage, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Grenoble, France.
Epilepsia
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Intrarectal diazepam (DZP) effectively treats serial seizures in adults with epilepsy. This method offers rapid onset and good tolerance, potentially preventing status epilepticus.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Refractory partial epilepsy can lead to serial seizures.
- Status epilepticus is a risk in patients experiencing serial seizures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrarectal diazepam (DZP) for treating serial seizures in adults.
- To determine the optimal dosage and onset of action for intrarectal DZP.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study involving 39 adult patients with refractory partial epilepsy.
- Administration of intrarectal diazepam at 20 mg and 30 mg doses.
- Assessment of plasma DZP levels over 24 hours and seizure control.
Main Results:
- Intrarectal DZP demonstrated efficacy in treating serial seizures, with an onset of action around 10 minutes.
- The effective dose was determined to be 0.50 mg/kg.
- Good tolerance and acceptability were reported for intrarectal administration.
Conclusions:
- Intrarectal diazepam is an effective treatment for serial seizures in adults with epilepsy.
- The ease of administration by unskilled personnel makes it a viable option for preventing status epilepticus.