Midazolam

Information about Midazolam

Midazolam

Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used intravenously as an anesthetic for conscious sedation or as an adjunct for general anesthesia. 

Liver safety of Midazolam

Midazolam therapy has not been associated with serum aminotransferase elevations and has not been linked to cases of clinically apparent liver injury.

Mechanism of action of Midazolam

Midazolam (mi daz' oh lam) is a benzodiazepine with particularly potent sedative activity.  The sedative activity of the benzodiazepines is mediated by their ability to enhance gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mediated inhibition of synaptic transmission through binding to the GABA A receptor.  The use of midazolam has been largely as an intravenous anesthetic agent.  Midazolam is used for conscious sedation for outpatient procedures such as upper and lower endoscopy, liver biopsy and cardiac catheterization.  It is also used for induction of general anesthesia and for preoperative sedation.  Midazolam is associated with anterograde amnesia which is often convenient for uncomfortable, minimally invasive procedures. 

Dosage and administration for Midazolam

Midazolam is available generically (and formerly under the brand name Versed) in parenteral forms for injection [1 mg/dL in 1, 2, 5 and 10 mL vials], in disposal syringes and as an oral solution for pediatric use perioperatively.  The typical dose for conscious sedation is 1 to 2.5 mg intravenously over 2 to 5 minutes. 

Side effects of Midazolam

Common side effects of the use of intravenous midazolam include nausea, confusion, acute agitation and respiratory depression.  Acute overdose of midazolam can cause respiratory arrest and death.

• Dailymed label info on Midazolam
• FDA Midazolam

Benzodiazipines

• Alprazolam
• Chlordiazepoxide
• Diazepam (Oral)
• Estazolam
• Flurazepam
• Lorazepam
• Midazolam
• Oxazepam
• Quazepam
• Temazepam
• Triazolam

Anticonvulsants Drugs

• Clobazam
• Clonazepam
• Clorazepate
• Diazepam (Intravenous)

Anticonvulsants, and Benzodiazepines]