Midazolam (Midazolam)
Overview of Midazolam
Midazolam is a very short-acting parenteral benzodiazepine. Midazolam is used intramuscularly or intravenously for conscious sedation during minor surgical or diagnostic procedures, as an inducing agent, or as an adjunct to regional anesthesia. It was originally thought to be preferable to other benzodiazepines for conscious sedation because of its potency and its short duration of action, however, comparisons with diazepam, an agent with a much longer half-life, have not revealed a consistent advantage of it. It received FDA approval in December 1985. It can produce any level of CNS depression required including sedation, hypnosis, skeletal muscle relaxation, or anticonvulsant activity. The action of Midazolam is mediated through the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Midazolam is also used in the treatment of anxiety and seizures.
Indication of Midazolam
Midazolam is primarily indicated in conditions like All forms of epilepsy, Anxiety, Induction of anaesthesia, Insomnia, Myoclonus, Sedation of patients receiving intensive care, Sedation with amnesia, Sedative in combined anaesthesia, Status epilepticus (unlicensed use), and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Anesthesia, Surgery.
Contraindication of Midazolam
Midazolam is contraindicated in conditions like Respiratory insufficiency.
Side Effects of Midazolam
The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Midazolam include Coma, Confusion, Impaired impulse conduction, Sedation, Somnolence, Impaired coordination, Loss of reflexes.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Midazolam are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Drowsiness, Blurred vision, Rashes, Confusion, Erythema, Pain, Somnolence, Thrombophlebitis, Nausea and vomiting, Slurred speech, Agitation, Involuntry muscle movements, Muscle rigidity, Induration, Hiccups, Tenderness, Confusion, Pruritis.
Precautions of Midazolam
Midazolam should be used with caution in patients with heart, kidney, liver or lungs diseases, in narrow angle glaucoma. It should be used with caution in elderly patients.