Constant diazepam infusion in the treatment of continuous seizure activity.

Status epilepticus is a medical emergency that requires rapid seizure control. Intravenous bolus diazepam has been used in the rapid reversal of status epilepticus; this agent usually is combined with parenteral phenobarbital or phenytoin for a more sustained suppression of seizure activity. In certain situations, these longer-acting agents are not effective in controlling the seizure disorder, necessitating alternative therapeutic measures. Continuous diazepam infusion has been used successfully to treat persistent seizure activity. Its use, however, is fraught with pharmaceutical problems. This article reviews the pharmacology, efficacy, and pharmaceutical results of using continuous infusion intravenous diazepam to treat status epilepticus.