Clinical pharmacokinetics of drugs used in the treatment of status epilepticus.

Pharmacokinetics as the basis for dosage calculation for acute and subacute treatment of status epilepticus have been discussed. Bolus injection and intravenous infusion are the most common forms of drug administration in these cases. Rectal administration may be a good alternative in certain conditions. Intravenous diazepam and phenytoin are the first-line drugs against status epilepticus. Diazepam and sodium valproate have been reported to be effective by the rectal route. Depending on its pharmacokinetic parameters, each drug effect has a different onset, intensity, and time course.