A clinical double-blind study of flumazenil, antagonist of benzodiazepines, in loco-regional anesthesia

Abstract

Flumazenil has been studied for antagonism of the residual sedative effect of midazolam administered as a complement of loco-regional anesthesias. Highly significant differences appeared between the patients receiving placebos and those receiving flumazenil, showing a quick suppression of the lasting sedative effects of midazolam. At the dosage of 1 mg, flumazenil seemed to have a more efficient and complete effect than the 0.5 mg dosage. Tolerance to flumazenil was excellent with the exception of one case of agitation and disorientation, in a patient chronic consumer of benzodiazepines thus this could be considered as a deprivation syndrome. In conclusion, flumazenil should certainly have a place in the pharmacological stores of the anesthesiologist.