What is the treatment for seizures lasting more than 5 minutes?

The appropriate treatment for seizures that last more than 5 minutes, a condition known as status epilepticus, is to administer intravenous (IV) diazepam. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that acts as an anticonvulsant and provides rapid control of seizure activity. Administering diazepam allows for quick onset of action, which is critical in preventing further neurological damage that can result from prolonged seizure episodes.

Both IV diazepam and midazolam are effective for the acute management of seizures; however, midazolam is typically administered intranasally or intramuscularly in emergencies when IV access is not readily available, making diazepam the preferred choice when IV access is possible. Other options like oral ibuprofen and topical lidocaine do not provide the necessary efficacy for managing seizures and would not be appropriate treatments in this urgent context.