title: Midazolam use in the emergency department.
abstract: Midazolam is a new imidazobenzodiazepine derivative that is two to three times as potent as diazepam, is water-soluble, has a rapid onset and short duration of action, and produces a profound amnestic effect. These properties make it an extremely useful drug for outpatient sedation. We performed retrospective review of midazolam use in a general emergency department over a one-year period. Midazolam was used in 120 patients, 71 men and 49 women, with an average age of 46 years. The average dose given was 3.4 mg, with a range of 1 to 10 mg. In 69 of the cases (57%) other drugs were administered, most commonly an opiate. There were only four adverse reactions. One patient developed urinary retention, one patient vomited, and two patients were somnolent for a prolonged period of time. There were no serious cardiovascular or respiratory problems. We conclude that midazolam is a safe drug to use in the emergency department. Close monitoring of the patient and the availability of airway support equipment are mandatory.
authors.affiliation: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Ramoska
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Linkenheimer
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Glasgow
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004630:Emergencies; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008874:Midazolam / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013511:Minor Surgical Procedures; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy; D013035:Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D008874:Midazolam