Prevention of febrile convulsions with dipropylacetate (Depakine).

In 47 children followed for 1 year after the first "simple" febrile convulsion, dipropylacetate (Depakine, 20 mg/kg) was as effective in preventing new febrile convulsions (a single recurrence in 4% of 47 children) as was phenobarbital (5 mg/kg) or primidone (25 mg/kg) (a single recurrence in 4% of 47 children), and there were no side effects. Of 47 untreated children followed for 1 year, 55% had 1 to 4 new febrile convulsions. All medications were given in divided doses morning and evening.