Medication

Topics on this page:

• Regular medication
• Emergency medication
• Managing medication

Regular medication

Most people with epilepsy take regular medication which aims to control their seizures. Generally, this medication can be taken outside school hours so the need for schools to store and administer routine medication is avoided. more information

Emergency medication

If a person with epilepsy experiences a prolonged seizure or a series of seizures without regaining consciousness, they may need emergency medication, such as rectal diazepam or buccal midazolam. Both of these are relatively simple to administer by a properly trained and willing person.

Training in how to administer the medication can often be organised by the local health authority, and can be given by health professionals such as an epilepsy specialist doctor or nurse, or sometimes a school nurse.

An Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP) should be agreed, giving details of when and how a trained member of staff should give emergency medication. A new and improved template form is available to download free.

Managing medication

If pupils do need medication in school time, including emergency medication, guidance is given in the Department for Education and Skills/Department of Health joint document ‘Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years Settings’. Copies of this document can be obtained from the DfES publications centre at www.teachernet.gov.uk/publications or 0845 602 2260.

Epilepsy Action’s Epilepsy Policy for Schools contains useful forms including an Individual Healthcare Plan, parental agreement for educational settings to administer medication, and a staff training record.