[The effectiveness of the benzodiazepine antagonist Ro 15-1788 after the induction of anesthesia with midazolam]

Abstract

The benzodiazepine antagonist Ro 15-1788 has now been added to the series of antagonists which have been routinely used for a long time. In the present prospective, randomized double-blind study, it is investigated whether Ro 15-1788 is able to antagonize the effect of midazolam applied at a dosage of 0.2 mg/kg for induction of anesthesia.

Patients, material and methods: Thirty female patients (age between 19 and 44 years) undergoing laparoscopy were included in the study. Premedication consisted of an oral dose of 2 mg flunitrazepam given on the evening before the intervention and a 7.5 mg oral dose of midazolam 45 min prior to the induction of anesthesia. After preoxygenation, midazolam was given intravenously at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg body weight for induction of anesthesia. Following extubation either Ro 15-1788 at a dosage of 0.2 mg (2 ml) or an adequate volume of placebo was given according to a randomized double-blind scheme. Those patients whose vigilance status did not change received either Ro 15-1788 or placebo every 60 s up to a maximum total dose of 10 ml. Prior to induction of anesthesia, 5 min after midazolam dosing, prior to and 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min after the application of Ro 15-1788, the following parameters were assessed using a multistep rating scale: degree of sedation, comprehension and collaboration, orientation in space and time, anterograde amnesia as well as blood pressure and heart rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)