Status epilepticus is a state of prolonged or recurrent seizure activity that is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. At a cellular level, status epilepticus results from a failure of normal inhibitory pathways, primarily mediated by gamma-n-aminobutyric acid (GABA) acting via GABA(A) receptors. This loss of inhibitory drive allows the activation of excitatory feedback loops, leading to repetitive, synchronous firing of large groups of neurons. As seizure activity continues, there is further decline in GABAergic function. Continued excitatory input mediated primarily by glutamate leads to neuronal cell death. These alterations in inhibitory and excitatory pathways have important implications for the pharmacologic management of status epilepticus. Currently recommended agents act primarily through the GABA(A) receptor and have been shown to become less effective in status epilepticus of longer duration. Agents designed to inhibit glutamate activity show promise both in the treatment of status epilepticus and in the prevention of associated neuronal injury.