Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used to help relax a patient before minor surgery, dental work, or other medical procedures. It causes drowsiness, relieves anxiety and prevents any event memory. Sometimes, it may be a short-term treatment of insomnia and emergency treatment of seizures. However, it must be used safely and under medical supervision since it risks worsening the patient’s condition.
Midazolam – Uses in medicine
As mentioned above, Midazolam serves in the following ways:
- It is used before medical procedures to sedate and relieve anxiety.
- It is administered before general anaesthetic agents to cause drowsiness and relieve anxiety.
- It can be a short-term treatment of insomnia.
- It can be an emergency treatment for seizures.
Midazolam and its common side effects
Midazolam can cause the following side effects:
- cough, wheezing, trouble breathing;
- slow heart rate;
- confusion, agitation, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behaviour.
- Amnesia or forgetfulness after your procedure;
- drowsiness, dizziness;
- nausea,
- blurred vision.
Severe side effects as signs of an allergic reaction and swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Steps to follow in cases of incorrect dosage
- Missed Dose –If the tablets are used for insomnia, the missed dose should be taken as soon as you remember. Try not to miss doses as the quantity and timings are very specific, and non-adherence could cause some side effects.
- Overdose – In case of an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose. However, the doctor will initiate emergency medical treatment if an overdose of this medicine is suspected.
Precautions and warnings
It is advisable to stay vigilant and careful when administering Midazolam. The following cases must be paid close attention to:
- Respiratory distress – Midazolam must be used with caution in patients with a known history of lung disease due to the increased risk of worsening their condition.
- Use in shock/coma/depressed respiration – Midazolam is not advisable for patients suffering from shock, coma, or depressed respiration. It may further worsen the patient’s condition.
- Paradoxical reactions – Midazolam should be used cautiously because of the risk of specific reactions. These may include excitability, nervousness, hostility, nightmares, sleep disturbances, etc. This risk is significantly higher in patients with psychiatric disorders. Depending on the clinical condition, appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required.
- Impaired kidney and liver function – Midazolam should be used with caution in patients with impaired kidney or liver function due to the increased risk of severe side effects.
- Myasthenia gravis – Midazolam should be used cautiously in patients with myasthenia gravis since it can worsen their condition.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding – Midazolam is not recommended for pregnant women unless necessary. Medical consultation is necessary before administering the medicine.
Thus, Midazolam offers several uses but should be administered with caution.
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Disclaimer:
Shubham Pharmachem’s blog posts have been written with the information gathered from approved medical journals and websites online. Our research and technical teams strive to provide relevant information through such articles. We strongly advise readers not to consume or administer medication without prior consultation with their doctor.
