Treatment of out-of-hospital status epilepticus with diazepam rectal gel.

Intravenous access cannot always be promptly obtained when treating status epilepticus outside the hospital. We compared the efficacy and safety of diazepam rectal gel to IV lorazepam in our long-term care facility for adults with developmental disabilities. Diazepam rectal gel was given more quickly and reliably, reducing total seizure time, potential neuronal injury and other complications. A treatment protocol for treating status epilepticus with diazepam rectal gel is given.