title: Lorazepam as a premedicant for day-case surgery: an assessment.
abstract: The sedative effect of 2 mg of lorazepam was assessed in eleven patients undergoing minor "day case" surgery and the results compared with a control group of eleven patients receiving a placebo. Sedation was assessed by a scoring method and quantified in terms of change in plasma cortisol levels. The results indicate that 2 mg of oral lorazepam produces good sedation (superior to nitrazepam in terms of plasma cortisol reduction) and has a postoperative anti-emetic effect but its prolonged duration of action makes it unsuitable for patients returning home within 8 hours of premedication.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007902:Length of Stay; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication; D013874:Thiopental; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D013874:Thiopental; D008140:Lorazepam; D006854:Hydrocortisone