Midazolam
About
Midazolam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines (sedatives) used to induce sedation and relieve anxiety and muscle tension. It is used to induce sleepiness during therapeutic procedures (like endoscopy or colonoscopy) or complicated medical tests known as procedural sedation. Conscious sedation is a technique in which drugs help you relax (sedative), reduce anxiety and inhibit pain (anaesthetic) during a medical test or procedure. It is usually referred to as procedural sedation and analgesia.
Midazolam contains Midazolam which works by increasing GABA activity (a chemical messenger in the brain that acts as a natural nerve-calming agent) involved in inducing drowsiness. Thereby, Midazolam relaxes muscles, reduces anxiety and causes drowsiness.
Midazolam will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. Sometimes, it may cause side effects such as redness, pain or swelling at the injection site, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, tiredness or muscle spasms. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Midazolam or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Midazolam. It may be excreted in breast milk. Therefore, avoid breastfeeding for 24 hours after taking Midazolam. Midazolam should be used with caution in elderly patients as there is an increased risk of breaking bones and falling. Special care should be taken while treating children with Midazolam. Avoid consumption of alcohol while on treatment with Midazolam as it may increase the sedative effect. Midazolam may cause drowsiness or affect concentration and coordination. It is an offence to drive if Midazolam affects you. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy after taking Midazolam.
Uses of Midazolam
Medicinal Benefits
Midazolam contains Midazolam used to induce conscious sedation (awake but very relaxed state of calm or drowsiness) during therapeutic procedures or medical tests. Midazolam increases the activity of GABA (a chemical messenger in the brain that acts as a natural nerve-calming agent) that is involved in inducing drowsiness. Thereby, Midazolam relaxes muscles, reduces anxiety and causes drowsiness.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Midazolam
- Redness, pain or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
- Muscle spasms
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Midazolam or any other medicines, please inform your doctor. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Midazolam. Midazolam may be excreted in breast milk. Therefore, avoid breastfeeding for 24 hours after taking Midazolam. Midazolam should be used with caution in elderly patients as there is an increased risk of breaking bones and falling. Special care should be taken while giving Midazolam to children, and the dose should be adjusted appropriately. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Midazolam as it may increase the sedative effect of Midazolam. Midazolam may cause drowsiness or affect concentration and coordination. It is an offence to drive if Midazolam affects you. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy after taking Midazolam. Do not take Midazolam with opioids as it may increase the risk of difficulties in breathing, drowsiness or coma. However, if the concomitant use is advised by a doctor, the dose and duration should be limited by a doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform your doctor if you are taking high blood pressure-lowering medicines (diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil), antifungals (fluconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole), antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, roxithromycin, rifampicin), high cholesterol-lowering medicines (atorvastatin), medicines for HIV/AIDS (saquinavir), anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine), opioid pain killers (fentanyl), anti-allergic medicines, antianxiety drug (diazepam), antidepressants, and other medicines.
Drug-Food Interaction: Midazolam may interact with grapefruit. Therefore, avoid intake of grapefruit or grapefruit juice with Midazolam as it may increase the adverse effects of Midazolam. Also, avoid alcohol consumption with Midazolam as it may increase the sedative effect. Inform your doctor if you are taking St. John's wort (a herbal medicine).
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have a lung or breathing disorder, myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), history of drug abuse or personality disorder, or kidney, liver or heart problems, inform your doctor before taking Midazolam.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Midazolam as it may increase the sedative effect of Midazolam and may also cause breathing problems.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Midazolam. However, if Midazolam is used for prolonged treatment during the last trimester, it may cause physical dependence and risk of withdrawal symptoms after birth in the baby.
Breast Feeding
cautionMidazolam may be excreted in breast milk. Therefore, avoid breastfeeding for 24 hours after taking Midazolam.
Driving
unsafeMidazolam may cause drowsiness or affect concentration and coordination. It is an offence to drive after taking Midazolam and if it affects your ability to drive. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy after taking Midazolam.
Liver
cautionIf you have liver conditions, inform your doctor before taking Midazolam.
Kidney
cautionIf you have kidney problems, inform your doctor before taking Midazolam.
Children
cautionIf your child has a heart condition, notify your doctor before giving Midazolam. The dose will be adjusted specifically, and your child will be closely watched. Midazolam is only advised for sedation in intensive care units for newborns and babies under six months of age, and their breathing and oxygen levels must be closely monitored.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Special Advise
If you receive Midazolam for prolonged periods, it may cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, do not stop taking Midazolam suddenly. Your doctor will reduce the dose gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Conscious sedation: It is a technique in which drugs help you relax (sedative), reduce anxiety and inhibit pain (anaesthetic) during a medical test or procedure. You will stay awake but may not be able to speak. It is usually referred to as procedural sedation and analgesia.
FAQs
Midazolam contains Midazolam which works by increasing the activity of GABA (a chemical messenger in the brain that acts as a natural nerve-calming agent) that is involved in inducing drowsiness. Thus, it relaxes muscles, reduces anxiety and causes drowsiness.
You are not recommended to take Midazolam with opioids as co-administration of these medicines as it may increase the risk of adverse effects such as difficulties in breathing, drowsiness or coma. Therefore, before using Midazolam with any other medicines, please consult your doctor so that the dosage may be adjusted accordingly to use safely.
Yes, Midazolam may cause dizziness, drowsiness or affect concentration and coordination. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid driving or any other activities that require mental alertness after taking Midazolam. Also, it is an offence to drive if Midazolam affects your ability to drive.
Yes, Midazolam may cause physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms if used for prolonged periods. Therefore, do not stop treatment with Midazolam suddenly. Your doctor will reduce the dose gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Midazolam is not recommended for patients suffering from myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness) as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis before taking Midazolam.
