Neurological
Medicines for Febrile seizures
Fits that can happen in young children during a high temperature — frightening to witness but usually brief and harmless, and not the same as epilepsy.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Febrile seizures?
A febrile seizure (febrile convulsion) is a fit that can occur in young children, usually between six months and five years, when they have a high temperature, often from a common infection. During a typical (simple) febrile seizure, the child becomes stiff, may lose consciousness, and the arms and legs twitch or jerk, usually lasting less than a few minutes before the child gradually recovers.
- How it is treated: During a seizure, the priority is to keep the child safe: lay them on their side (recovery position), remove nearby objects, do not put anything in their mouth, and note how long it lasts.
- Self-care: Managing a child's fever with fluids and simple measures may help comfort, though it does not reliably prevent seizures.
- When to seek help: Call 999 if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, the child has repeated seizures, does not wake up properly afterwards, has difficulty breathing, or you are worried they are seriously unwell.
What it is
A febrile seizure (febrile convulsion) is a fit that can occur in young children, usually between six months and five years, when they have a high temperature, often from a common infection. During a typical (simple) febrile seizure, the child becomes stiff, may lose consciousness, and the arms and legs twitch or jerk, usually lasting less than a few minutes before the child gradually recovers. They are very frightening for parents to witness but are usually harmless and do not cause brain damage or mean the child has epilepsy. Most children who have one do not have further problems, though some may have another febrile seizure during a future illness.
How it is treated
During a seizure, the priority is to keep the child safe: lay them on their side (recovery position), remove nearby objects, do not put anything in their mouth, and note how long it lasts. Most simple febrile seizures stop on their own within a few minutes and need no specific treatment afterwards beyond comforting the child and managing the fever and its underlying cause. A first febrile seizure should be assessed by a doctor to check the cause of the fever and give reassurance. Advice is given on what to do if another occurs, and when to call 999.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Febrile seizures
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Managing a child's fever with fluids and simple measures may help comfort, though it does not reliably prevent seizures. Knowing basic first aid — placing the child on their side and keeping them safe — helps parents respond calmly.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
Call 999 if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, the child has repeated seizures, does not wake up properly afterwards, has difficulty breathing, or you are worried they are seriously unwell. A first febrile seizure should always be assessed by a doctor.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Febrile seizures: frequently asked questions
Are febrile seizures the same as epilepsy?
No. Febrile seizures happen with a high temperature in young children and are usually harmless. Most children who have one do not develop epilepsy.
What should I do if my child has a febrile seizure?
Keep them safe: lay them on their side, move nearby objects away, do not put anything in their mouth, and time the seizure. Call 999 if it lasts more than 5 minutes or you are worried. A first seizure should be checked by a doctor.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Febrile seizures
- NICE CKS — Febrile seizure
Related conditions
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.