Drug options for preventing recurrence of febrile seizures in children have been assessed in an updated Cochrane systematic review.1 Febrile seizures affect between 3% and 8% of children up to the age of 7 years, and recur in up to 30% during subsequent illnesses.2 However, it is not known whether prophylactic treatment with antiepileptics and antipyretics is safe and effective.1

The review sought to assess the effectiveness and safety of drug prophylaxis for children who have recurrent febrile seizures. It included 40 articles describing 30 randomised trials (4,256 participants). A total of 13 continuous or intermittent prophylaxis interventions were analysed. The primary efficacy outcome …