Epileptologist Publishes Data Validating Diazepam Nasal Spray Effectiveness and Safety

Eric B. Segal, M.D., a pediatric epileptologist at Hackensack University Medical Center’s Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, published research validating that diazepam nasal spray — a seizure rescue medication approved for use in people age two and older — is as effective in people ages 2-5 as in patients over age six.

The research, which was published in Epilepsia in July 2025, further demonstrated that the dosing for children aged 2-5 has a safety and effectiveness profile that is consistent with older patients, with no serious adverse events occurring in the younger age group.

Thirty-one children ages 2-5 successfully completed the study, receiving a total of 300 doses of diazepam nasal spray during the study period. Study results showed that only 16.3 percent of children required a second dose within 24 hours of the initial dose to control seizures, supporting the effectiveness of the medication in this age group.

“Diazepam nasal spray was approved for acute repetitive seizures for children older than 6 in 2020,” said Dr. Segal. “But although diazepam has been available for nearly two decades as a rectal gel formulation, the nasal spray is much easier to use and more comfortable.The goal of our study was to evaluate how the diazepam nasal spray formulation works in young children to determine whether the dosage is adequate and the medication is safe and effective.”

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