Midazolam for stopping seizures

This leaflet is about the use of midazolam to stop seizures. (Seizures may also be called convulsions or fits.)

This leaflet has been written specifically about the use of this medicine in children. The information may differ from that provided by the manufacturer. Please read this leaflet carefully. Keep it somewhere safe so that you can read it again.

Name of drug

Midazolam buccal liquid
Brand names: Hypnovel®, Epistatus®

Why is it important for my child to take this medicine?

Midazolam is used to stop a seizure.

What is midazolam available as?

  • Hypnovel is a liquid that is also used for injections. It comes in a small glass tube.
  • Epistatus is a syrup. This comes in a bottle with four syringes.

When should I give midazolam?

You should give midazolam if your child’s seizure lasts more than 5 minutes. Follow these steps.

Seizure timeine - midazolam

Do not give your child another dose of midazolam.

Do not give your child rectal diazepam or any other drug.

How much should I give?

The amount of midazolam that you give your child (the dose) depends on their weight. It also depends on whether they have Hypnovel or Epistatus.

Your doctor will tell you how much to give. If you are not sure how much midazolam to give, you must ask your doctor before you give any. It is important that you do not give too much.

When you first start giving midazolam to your child, you will give them a small amount and then increase the dose bit by bit over a few days or weeks. This helps your child to get used to the medicine. Your doctor will explain what to do.

It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions about how much to give.

How should I give it?Giving buccal midazolam

  • Midazolam needs to go into the space between the inside of the cheek and the teeth, which is called the buccal cavity. Your doctor or nurse will show you what to do.
  • If you can, give about half the amount slowly into one side of the mouth, then give the other half slowly into the other side.
  • The drug quickly gets from the buccal cavity into the blood to stop the seizure. If you put the midazolam into the middle of the mouth it will not work as well because it cannot get into the blood so quickly.
  • Your child does not need to swallow the medicine. (It is not harmful if they do swallow it, but it will not work as well.)

What if my child is sick (vomits)?

  • Do not give your child another dose of midazolam.

What if I don’t give it?

If you do not give the midazolam, or do not give the right dose, your child’s seizure may not stop. this could be dangerous, and your child will need to go to hospital.

What if I give too much?

If you think you may have given your child too much midazolam, or your child’s breathing slows down or stops, telephone for an ambulance straight away.

Are there any possible side-effects?

  • Your child may be sleepy after having midazolam. They should have a sleep if they want to.
  • Your child may be confused. They probably won’t remember having the seizure.

Can other common medicines be given at the same time as midazolam?

  • You must not give your child any other medicine to stop the seizure, unless your doctor has said that you can do this.

Is there anything else I need to know about this medicine?

  • Make sure that your child always has their midazolam with them.
  • Make sure that anyone who looks after your child knows what to do and how to give midazolam if your child has a seizure.
  • It is best that your child always has the same brand of midazolam (Hypnovel or Epistatus). Write down which brand you use, and how much you give. Keep this information with you.

Only give midazolam to your child. Never give it to anyone else, even if they seem to be having a seizure, as this could do harm.

If anyone else takes the medicine by accident, take them to a doctor straight away.

  • Make sure that the midazolam you have at home have not reached the ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date on the packaging. Give old medicines to your pharmacist to dispose of.

Where I should keep this medicine?

  • Keep the medicine in a cupboard, away from heat and direct sunlight. It does not need to be kept in the fridge.
  • Make sure that children cannot see or reach the medicine.
  • Keep the medicine in the container it came in.

Who to contact for more information

Your child’s hospital doctor, epilepsy nurse or pharmacist will be able to give you more information about midazolam and other medicines used to treat epilepsy.


You can also get useful information from:


Publication Date

1/2/2008

Copyright Disclaimer

Version 1.4, February 2008 (March 2012). © NPPG, RCPCH and WellChild 2011, all rights reserved.

The primary source for the information in this leaflet is the British National Formulary for Children. For details on any other sources used for this leaflet, please contact us through our website, www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk

We take great care to make sure that the information in this leaflet is correct and up-to-date. However, medicines can be used in different ways for different patients. It is important that you ask the advice of your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about something. This leaflet is about the use of these medicines in the UK, and may not apply to other countries. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists Group (NPPG), WellChild and the contributors and editors cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information, omissions of information, or any actions that may be taken as a consequence of reading this leaflet.