Comparison of two different dosages of hydroxyzine for sedation in the paediatric dental patient

Abstract

Aim: This study compared the effect of two different dosages of hydroxyzine supported by 50% nitrous oxide inhalation sedation in child patients.

Subjects and methods: Thirty uncooperative healthy children with an age range of 31-120 months were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. The patients in group 1 were given 20 mg of hydroxyzine (Atarax) 24 h preoperatively and on the operation day, 3.7 mg/kg hydroxyzine was administered orally. The patients in group 2 received 3.7 mg/kg hydroxyzine orally only on the operation day. All patients also received 50% nitrous oxide inhalation sedation. The child's behaviour was evaluated every 5 min by using Houpt Sedation Rating Scale. The oxygen saturation and heart rates were also followed.

Results: The mean age of the children in the study was 61.9 months (SD 11.9) for group 1 and 53.7 months (SD 12.8) for group 2. Evaluation of the results showed that there were no significant differences (P < 0.05) between behavioural attitudes and sedation degree of the patients.

Conclusions: Twenty milligrams of hydroxyzine administered 24 h preoperatively has no significant benefit on sedation of the child.