
Anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are used to stop an ongoing seizure or to decrease the frequency or severity of anticipated future seizures. During a seizure episode or status epilepticus, the route of administration for AEDs is IV ( see Table: Drugs Used for Treatment of Status Epilepticus Drugs Used for Treatment of Status Epilepticus ). For longterm maintenance, the oral route is preferred, although absorption may be limited or variable depending on the drug used ( see Table: Antiepileptic Drugs Antiepileptic Drugs
). SC or IM injections are seldom used because of the variability in drug absorption.