A comparison of midazolam and temazepam for premedication of day case patients.

Author(s): Nightingale JJ, Norman J

Affiliation(s): Shackleton Department of Anaesthetics, Southampton General Hospital.

Publication date & source: 1988-02, Anaesthesia., 43(2):111-3.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Comparative Study ; Randomized Controlled Trial

One hundred patients who underwent day case surgery took part in a randomized double-blind comparison between midazolam 15 mg and temazepam 20 mg orally as premedicants. Postoperative recovery was studied using tests of psychomotor function. Midazolam produced a similar degree of anxiolysis to temazepam and a greater incidence of drowsiness. Recovery was similar after either premedicant and psychomotor function was still depressed 4 hours postoperatively (p less than 0.001). Nearly 90% of patients felt that they had benefitted from either premedicant. We conclude that midazolam is a suitable drug for premedication in day case surgery.