Midazolam dosage in intravenous conscious sedation

Abstract

AbstractAimMidazolam is the first‐line drug for intravenous conscious sedation in dentistry. A 5‐mL ampoule of midazolam (1 mg/mL) is a widely used preparation for a carefully titrated optimum sedation dose tailored to the individual patient. In past times at Liverpool University Dental Hospital, a 10‐mL pre‐filled syringe of midazolam (1 mg/mL) was used and with the transition to 5‐mL ampoules, a study was undertaken to assess whether this change had an impact on dosages delivered by sedationists.Materials and methodsA retrospective study was carried out to include 100 patients who were sedated on the Oral Surgery department for a range of surgical procedures. A total of 50 patients were sedated using a 10‐mL pre‐filled syringe and 50 patients were sedated using 5‐mL ampoules. Data collection looked at the total midazolam dosage and other factors including operator, procedure complexity, ASA grade, sedation score and operating conditions score.ResultsThere was a statistical difference between the mean dosages for both groups with an overall lower dose administered in patients who were sedated with 5‐mL ampoules.ConclusionsThe study suggested an impact of human factors when behavioural changes occur as a result of change in practice. The outcome of the study suggested revision of the factors which should influence midazolam dosage and are discussed in this study.