Evaluation of lorazepam and pentobarbital as surgical premedicants.
Lorazepam, a new benzodiazepine, was compared with a standard surgical premedicant, pentobarbital. In a double-blind study in 128 patients, lorazepam, 2 and 4 mg, and pentobarbital, 50 and 100 mg, were given intravenously in a randomized sequence. Significant differences were noted; lorazepam was found to provide greater sedation, lack of recall, and greater antianxiety effect than pentobarbital. No significant adverse effects were noted following either drug. Vital signs remained stable.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010424:Pentobarbital / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication; D013997:Time Factors
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D010424:Pentobarbital; D008140:Lorazepam