Double-blind study of the reversal of midazolam-induced sedation in the intensive care unit with flumazenil (ro 15-1788): Effect on weaning from ventilation

Abstract

Midazolam (0.1-0.2 mg/kg/hr) and morphine (2 mg/hr) were given by carefully regulated continuous intravenous infusions to thirty patients who required sedation, analgesia and ventilation for between twelve and twenty-four hours in the Intensive Care Unit. The midazolam and morphine infusions were stopped at the end of the period of sedation required and the efficacy double-blind randomised parallel group study. Patients receiving flumazenil were less sedated (P < 0.05), able to obey commands (P < 0.05), weaned from ventilation (P < 0.05) and extubated (P < 0.05) significantly earlier than those receiving placebo.