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Understanding Anesthesiology - The Global Regional Anesthesia ...

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Midazolam<br />

Class<br />

Short-acting benzodiazepine. Used for sedation or as an adjunct during general anesthesia.<br />

Midazolam has anxiolytic and sedative (but not analgesic) properties.<br />

Mechanism of Action<br />

Agonism at the inhibitory GABA receptor.<br />

Dose<br />

For sedation: 0.03-0.08 mg/kg IV<br />

Can also be given intramuscularly, intranasally and orally.<br />

Onset<br />

Within 3-5 minutes<br />

Duration<br />

Elimination half-time is 1-4 hours, making midazolam a much shorter acting agent than diazepam.<br />

Elimination<br />

Metabolized in the liver by microsomal enzymes and excreted in the urine.<br />

Effects<br />

CNS<br />

Induces anxiolysis, amnesia, hypnosis. Decreases cerebral blood flow. Minimal effects on intracranial<br />

pressure. May contribute to post-operative delirium in the elderly.<br />

CVS<br />

In larger doses, in the presence of hypovolemia or when used in combination with opioids,<br />

midazolam can lead to decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate. Cardiac output is<br />

unchanged.<br />

Respiratory<br />

Dose-related respiratory depression occurs. This response is exaggerated in the elderly, in<br />

those with COPD or when used in combination with opioids.<br />

Misc.<br />

Midazolam is water-soluble therefore the pain on injection and phlebitis that are seen with<br />

diazepam are uncommon.<br />

Related Glossary Terms<br />

Fibreoptic bronchoscope, Flumazenil<br />

Index<br />

Find Term<br />

Chapter 3 - Anesthetic Techniques<br />

Chapter 6 - Drug Finder<br />

Chapter 6 - Anxiolytics

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