Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Midazolam

Midazolam: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is midazolam?

The FDA first approved midazolam in 1985. Ever since it has been helpful to sedate patients. Midazolam is an anticonvulsant and a muscle relaxant, and has amnesic properties. It is sold under the brand name Versed.

Midazolam belongs to the class of benzodiazepines. It is unique amongst others as it shows rapid effects and has a short duration of action. It can be taken through oral, rectal, intramuscular, intravenous, and intranasal routes.

What are the uses of midazolam?

Midazolam works by slowing down the nervous system. Midazolam causes drowsiness when administered as an injection. Thus, it can induce loss of consciousness when given before surgery. It has uses as an effective anesthetic for dentistry, cardiac surgery, and endoscopic procedures.

Midazolam is efficient in treating status epilepticus, a severe form of seizure that causes more than one episode of attacks in 5 minutes. 

It is also a potent drug. Therefore, take appropriate precautions and follow your doctor’s prescription.

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    What are the side effects of midazolam?

    Some common side effects of the drug are:

    • Drowsiness
    • Dizziness
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Blurred vision
    • Forgetfulness

    Severe side effects of midazolam include:

    • Allergic reactions
    • Breathing difficulties
    • Swelling of the face
    • Swelling of the tongue and throat

    Maintaining the appropriate dosages and precautions can help you prevent these associated side effects. Talk to your doctor immediately if you have persistent adverse symptoms, especially those like cough, wheezing, slow heart rate, lightheadedness, tremors, confusion, agitation, and hallucinations.

    What is Midazolam

    Uses of Midazolam

    Side effects of Midazolam

    References

    Midazolam Uses, Side Effects & Warnings

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Midazolam

    Midazolam can cause life-threatening problems like shallow breathing, permanent brain damage, and even death. This highly potent drug should be taken under strict medical surveillance. However, midazolam is used to improve the quality of care in terminal patients due to its anticonvulsant and sedative properties. Medical providers will monitor their health closely to avoid undue complications.

    The sedative effect of oral midazolam is seen within 5–10 minutes. The level of sedation peaks in the next 20–30 minutes, and the effect ceases after 45 minutes in most cases. If midazolam is taken intravenously, the effect is seen within 5 minutes. In intramuscular administration, the drug starts to work in 15 minutes.

    Midazolam is the first line of drugs given for treating status epilepticus (a severe type of seizure). Although its exact mechanism of working is still unknown, it is believed that midazolam stops seizures by increasing the anticonvulsant, sedative, and anti-anxiety action of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain.

    No, midazolam and 3-mercaptopropionic acid are not the same. Midazolam is used in the medical field as an anticonvulsant. On the other hand, 3-mercaptopropionic acid is an organosulfur compound that acts as a convulsant, i.e., a drug that induces seizures. Due to these contrasting properties, ensure you do not confuse the two drugs.

    A breastfeeding woman should take midazolam only when a doctor prescribes it. After taking an injection of midazolam, there are chances that a small quantity may reach the milk duct. If midazolam is given as general anesthesia, the mother can breastfeed her child as soon as the side effects recede.

    Yes, midazolam can safely be given subcutaneously. You can also administer it orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, intranasally, buccally, and through the rectal route. Do so under the doctor's supervision in the form that they consider most suitable for you. They will determine a host of factors before deciding the correct dosage, form, and administration route.

    Yes. Head injury patients are given midazolam for sedation. The drug helps to lower intracranial pressure and cerebral metabolism, which thus increases the oxygenation in the cerebral cortex. Midazolam is safe for head injuries and also recommended by doctors in such instances. Since the drug is helpful in such an intense situation, self-medicating the drug can lead to life-threatening circumstances.

    Both midazolam and Xanax belong to the same class of drugs: benzodiazepines. However, the drugs vary in their use. Midazolam is an active anesthetic agent given to patients before and during surgical procedures. Xanax is an anti-anxiety prescription medicine that helps to treat panic attacks and anxiety disorders.

    Midazolam is a drug from the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Its potent anesthetic and sedative properties can make you feel sleepy, and thus, also high. However, do not self-medicate midazolam. Notify your doctor immediately about severe side effects like feeling high or euphoric. If left untreated, adverse conditions may occur, including, in the worst scenario, even death.

    Diazepam and midazolam both belong to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. However, midazolam is a more potent drug than diazepam. The sedative effect of midazolam acts faster and is associated with more significant amnesia. Strict vigilance is necessary while administering both of these drugs to prevent any complications. Speak to our team at Yashoda Hospitals for speedy and expert medical advice and services. Direct your queries regarding uses, side effects, dosage, and precautions of taking midazolam to our experts.