title: Pharmacokinetics and sedative effect of midazolam in connection with caesarean section performed under epidural analgesia.
abstract: Midazolam, the new investigational 1,4-benzodiazepine derivative with highly water-soluble salts, was studied as an anaesthesiological adjuvant in 11 patients undergoing elective caeserean section under epidural analgesia. I.v. administered midazolam, 0.075 mg/kg after delivery, caused a rapid and marked sedative effect, lasting for about 2-3 h. Short-lasting anterograde amnesia of about 30 to 60 min was reported as well. The serum levels of the parent drug and its active metabolites were determined in six cases by a radioreceptor assay and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated on the basis of these levels by a two-compartment open model. Up to 3 h after midazolam administration, good correlation between the sedative effect and serum drug levels was found. The rapid but short-lasting action can be explained by the pharmacokinetic parameters of midazolam: a short distribution phase half-life (4.19 min), and a short elimination phase half-life (67.85 min) due to a high clearance value (13.18 ml/min/kg) and a moderate distribution volume (1.20 l/kg).
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000378:metabolism; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000378:metabolism; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008874:Midazolam; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D008874:Midazolam