Plasma concentrations of midazolam during continuous subcutaneous administration in palliative care.
We have investigated the steady-state plasma concentrations of midazolam during continuous subcutaneous administration in palliative care. Using a sensitive gas chromatography with electron capture detector assay, plasma concentrations of midazolam were measured in 11 patients (median age 68 years; range 47-82 years; six females) receiving the drug by continuous subcutaneous infusion (median rate 20 mg/day; range 10-60 mg/day). While not significant, the infusion rate tended to decrease with increasing age of the patient (Spearman's p = -0.51; p = 0.11). The steady-state plasma concentration range was 10-147 ng/ml, with a median of 30 ng/ml. Infusion rates and plasma concentrations of midazolam were correlated (Spearman's p = 0.71; p < 0.05). No other significant relationships were found between plasma concentrations and the variables of age, sex and liver function.
Tasmanian School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Australia.
M D
MD
Bleasel
G M
GM
Peterson
P F
PF
Dunne
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008297:Male; D008874:Midazolam / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013727:Terminal Care
D008874:Midazolam