Evaluation of first-line anticonvulsants to treat nerve agent-induced seizures and prevent neuropathology in adult and pediatric rats.

•Median effective doses (ED50) were determined for diazepam and midazolam in pediatric and adult rats against nerve agent-induced seizures.•Midazolam and diazepam were efficacious and potent for treating nerve agent-induced seizures.•Low variability was observed in ED50s or termination latencies across the age and sex groups.•Neuroprotection was observed for successfully treated groups across the age and sex groups.•Neuropathology was observed in unsuccessfully-treated rats, with greater damage in older compared to pediatric rats.