title: Characterization of early plasma concentrations of midazolam in pigs after administration by an autoinjector.
abstract: The treatment of organophosphate-induced poisoning is based mainly on atropine and an oxime. Prompt anticonvulsive intervention is usually also required to terminate the ensuing seizure activity and to prevent delayed permanent brain damage. Midazolam, a water-soluble benzodiazepine agonist, has the advantage of rapid absorption following intramuscular administration. In mass casualty situations, the availability of an autoinjector, filled with midazolam, might be a further advantage. In the present study, the plasma pharmacokinetics of midazolam after administration by an autoinjector was compared with conventional intramuscular (i.m.) administration in two groups of four pigs each. During the first 15 min after injection, significantly higher plasma concentrations of midazolam were detected following autoinjector administration, compared with the i.m. injection. The physiological reflection of the accelerated midazolam absorption was a marked reduction in the time interval required for muscle relaxation, induced by midazolam. It is concluded that a midazolam autoinjector might be helpful in the mass casualty scenario following organophosphate poisoning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, POB 19, 74100. RonLevy@iibr.gov.il
authors.forename: Aharon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.forename: Moshe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kushnir
authors.forename: Shira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Brandeis
authors.forename: Zvi
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Teitelbaum
authors.forename: Eran
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gilat
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019540:Area Under Curve; D007267:Injections; D008874:Midazolam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood* / Q000494:pharmacology; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D008874:Midazolam