Sedation for fibreoptic gastroscopy: A comparative study of midazolam and diazepam

Abstract

Midazolam, atwater-soluble bcnzodiazepine, was compared with diazepam in fat emulsion (Diazemuls) as sedation for outpatient gastroscopy in a randomized double-blind fashion. Midazolam 0.05 mg kg-1 was found to be approximately equipotent to Diazemuls 0.15mg kg-1. There were no differences concerning speed of recovery and all patients were considered ready for discharge after 2 h. Venous tolerance was good for both drugs. With the same degree of sedation, midazolam produced a higher frequency of amnesia (60% v. 7%; P<0.001) for the endoscopic procedure. Although the patients appeared to prefer midazolam to Diazemuls, thin difference was mignifirant only in patients who had not previously undergone gastroscopy (P<0.05). The high degree of amnesia with midazolam may be an advantage in sedation for unpleasant procedures like gastroscopy. © 1983 The Macmillan Press Ltd.