A prospective, randomized study comparing intramuscular midazolam with intravenous diazepam for the treatment of seizures in children.
OBJECTIVE
To compare treatment of ongoing seizures using intramuscular (IM) midazolam versus intravenous (IV) diazepam.


METHODS
Controlled clinical trial.


METHODS
Children with motor seizures of at least 10 minutes' duration.


METHODS
Time to cessation of seizures.


RESULTS
Twenty-four patients were enrolled (13 midazolam, 11 diazepam). Initial treatment with either midazolam or diazepam was successful in 22 of the 24 patients. One patient in each group failed therapy and eventually required endotracheal intubation and general anesthesia for convulsive status epilepticus lasting more than one hour. Patients in the midazolam group received medication sooner (3.3 +/- 2.0 vs 7.8 +/- 3.2 minutes, P = 0.001) and had more rapid cessation of their seizures (7.8 +/- 4.1 vs 11.2 +/- 3.6, P = 0.047) than patients randomized to receive diazepam.


CONCLUSIONS
IM midazolam is an effective anticonvulsant for children with motor seizures. Compared to IV diazepam, IM midazolam results in more rapid cessation of seizures because of more rapid administration. The IM route of administration may be particularly useful in physicians' offices, in the prehospital setting, and for children with difficult IV access.
Chamberlain
J M
JM
Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Altieri
M A
MA
Futterman
C
C
Young
G M
GM
Ochsenschlager
D W
DW
Waisman
Y
Y
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D008874:Midazolam / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003975:Diazepam; D008874:Midazolam