[Benzodiazepines in premedication]

Abstract

Benzodiazepines have an anxiolytic, sedative, amnesic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsive action. An analysis of the literature shows that benzodiazepines are the most important substances for premedication. They are preferred the evening before surgery for sleep induction. At the day of surgery they reduce stress better than any other substances or combinations. The different characteristics of different substances are presented. The way of application is discussed. Benzodiazepines, especially midazolam, offer new perspectives in the premedication of small children. Especially this group of patients remains to be a severe anaesthesiological problem.