A comparative study of midazolam to meperidine/promethazine as an IM sedative technique for the pediatric dental patient.

Author(s): Downs AT, Dembo J, Ferretti G, Lyons TD, Pelphery A

Affiliation(s): University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, USA.

Publication date & source: 1997-05, ASDC J Dent Child., 64(3):197-200, 165, 228.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) as an IM sedative agent in the pediatric population as compared to the standard IM meperidine (2.0 mg/kg)/promethazine (1.0 mg/kg) sedation technique. Ten pediatric dental patients, ASA Class I, were evaluated in this double-blind, randomized, crossover study. The patients ranged in age from two to four years. Vital signs, sedation levels, and anxiety levels were evaluated. Midazolam was shown to be safe, but the inferior drug compared to the standard IM meperidine/promethazine sedation technique.