Rectal administration of midazolam versus diazepam for preanesthetic sedation in children

Abstract

Sixty children were included in the trial. Each subject received midazolam 0.4 mg/kg body weight of diazepam 0.75 mg/kg body weight rectally in a double-blind randomized order. The degree of sedation of the children was assessed on arrival in the operating unit and during the induction of anesthesia. Adequate sedation on arrival in the operating unit and during induction of anesthesia was obtained in 84% and 67%, respectively, following administration of midazolam compared with 80% and 70% in the diazepam group. No side effects were noted. It is concluded that rectally administered midazolam 0.4 mg/kg is comparable to diazepam 0.75 mg/kg with respect to preanesthetic sedation in children.