[Antagonizing the effect of midazolam by flumazenil in gastroscopy: results of a randomized double blind study]

Abstract

The action and side effects of the benzodiazepine antagonist Flumazenil were evaluated and compared with placebo in a double blind parallel group randomized trial involving 40 patients having upper gastrointestinal endoscopy under Midazolam premedication. Flumazenil reversed the hypnotic effect of midazolam within a few minutes. The patients were alert, cooperative, oriented and had recall of events after endoscopy. The effects were better than placebo concerning alertness for up to 30 minutes after administration whereas drowsiness remained almost stable after placebo. Time to reach full alertness was shorter after Flumazenil compared with placebo (42 vs 62 minutes). There were no significant side effects. Flumazenil allows effective reversal of midazolam premedication after upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.