1. Taking a Newer, Faster, Intranasal Route: A Narrative Review of Transitioning to a Less-Invasive Rescue Treatment for Seizure Clusters
- Author
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Peters,Jurriaan, Becker,Danielle, Misra,Sunita, Carrazana,Enrique, Rabinowicz,Adrian, Peters,Jurriaan, Becker,Danielle, Misra,Sunita, Carrazana,Enrique, and Rabinowicz,Adrian
- Abstract
Jurriaan M Peters,1 Danielle A Becker,2 Sunita N Misra,3 Enrique Carrazana,3,4 Adrian L Rabinowicz3 1Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Boston Childrenâs Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; 2Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; 3Neurelis, Inc, San Diego, CA, USA; 4Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USACorrespondence: Jurriaan M Peters, Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Boston Childrenâs Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave, FE9, Boston, MA, 02115, USA, Tel +1 617-355-7970, Fax +1 617-730-4850, Email jurriaan.peters@childrens.harvard.eduAbstract: In the US, 3 rescue treatment options are approved for patients with seizure clusters (ie, acute repetitive seizures), which are intermittent increases of seizure activity. This narrative PubMed review of these 3 treatments examines newer intranasal options that are well suited for adolescent and adult patients who may desire a transition from rectal treatment. Diazepam rectal gel is indicated for patients ⥠2 years, diazepam nasal spray for those ⥠6 years, and midazolam nasal spray for those ⥠12 years. Approvals for diazepam rectal gel and midazolam nasal spray were based on safety and efficacy comparisons with placebo. Approval for diazepam nasal spray was based on results from long-term safety and tolerability studies in addition to its comparable bioavailability to diazepam rectal gel, while also showing less interpatient variability. The safety profiles of diazepam rectal gel and nasal spray are similar, and the medications share safety, warning, and precaution labeling. Thus, patients ⥠6 years could be introduced to intranasal diazepam, allowing for continuity of familiar treatment while improving access and comfort. Intranasal midazolam also has a well-characterized safety profile. A proxy for effectiveness is the number
- Published
- 2024