Midazolam in conservative dentistry. A cross-over trial

Abstract

In a double-blind trial, 50 patients were randomly allocated to receive up to 0.29 mg/kg diazepam (Valium 5 mg/ml) or 0.14 mg/kg of midazolam (midazolam hydrochloride 5 mg/ml) intravenously at a first session of conservative dentistry, the alternative being administered at the second session. Good operating conditions were reported under each sedative and no important physiological differences were observed. Most patients failed to return to 'street fitness' 30 minutes after either session of treatment. Previous reports of reduced incidence of venous thrombophlebitis with midazolam were not convincingly confirmed in this trial, but data quality was poor. For about half the patients, the amnesic effect was stronger following midazolam.