Comparison of midazolam, diazepam and placebo i.m. as premedication for regional anaesthesia. A randomized double-blind study

Abstract

In a randomized double-blind study, midazolam 0.1 mg kg-1 i.m. was compared with diazepam 0.2 mg kg-1 and placebo as premedication for patients undergoing urological interventions under spinal anaesthesia. The sedative and anxiolytic effects of midazolam were evident 5-10 min after administration, and were maximum between 30 and 90 min. After this, rapid recovery was observed. More than 90% of the patients receiving midazolam were totally or partially amnesic for the procedures in the induction room and the operation theatre. Amnesia was not seen in the patients receiving diazepam or placebo and, in contrast to midazolam, diazepam had almost no sleep-inducing effect. In a few patients, the depth of sleep achieved with midazolam 0.1 mg kg-1 was such that co-operation was impaired.