Uses
Midazolam is given to children before medical procedures or before anesthesia for surgery to cause drowsiness, relieve anxiety, and prevent any memory of the event. Midazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow relaxation and sleep.
Side Effects Of Midazolam
Midazolam may cause side effects. Tell your child’s doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- rash
Some side effects of midazolam can be serious. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, call his or her doctor immediately:
- agitation
- restlessness
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- stiffening and jerking of the arms and legs
- aggression
- slow or irregular heartbeat
Midazolam may cause other side effects. Call your child’s doctor if your child has any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before your child receives midazolam:
- tell your child’s doctor and pharmacist if he or she is allergic to midazolam, any other medications, or cherries.
- tell your child’s doctor if your child is taking certain medications for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) including amprenavir (Agenerase), atazanavir (Reyataz), darunavir (Prezista), delavirdine (Rescriptor), efavirenz (Sustiva, in Atripla), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), indinavir (Crixivan),lopinavir (in Kaletra), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), saquinavir (Invirase), and tipranavir (Aptivus). Your child’s doctor may decide not to give midazolam to your child if he or she is taking one or more of these medications.
- tell your child’s doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements your child is taking or plans to take with midazolam. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section and any of the following: amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone); aminophylline (Truphylline); antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral); certain calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem, Tiazac, others) and verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan, others); cimetidine (Tagamet); clarithromycin (Biaxin); dalfopristin-quinupristin (Synercid); erythromycin (E-mycin, E.E.S.); fluvoxamine (Luvox); certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin); methylphenidate (Concerta, Metadate, Ritalin, others); nefazodone; ranitidine (Zantac); rifabutin (Mycobutin); and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane). Your child’s doctor may need to change the doses of your child’s medications or monitor your child carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with midazolam, so be sure to tell your child’s doctor about all the medications your child is taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your child’s doctor what herbal products your child is taking, especially St. John’s wort.
- tell your child’s doctor if your child has glaucoma. Your child’s doctor may decide not to give your child midazolam.
- tell your child’s doctor if your child has or has ever had kidney or liver disease.
- tell your child’s doctor if your child is or may be pregnant, or is breast-feeding.
- you should know that midazolam may make your child very drowsy and may affect his or her memory, thinking, and movements. Do not allow your child to ride a bicycle, drive a car, or do other activities that require him or her to be fully alert for at least 24 hours after receiving midazolam and until the effects of the medication have worn off. Watch your child carefully to be sure that he or she does not fall while walking during this time.
- you should know that alcohol can make the side effects of midazolam worse.
Dosage Of Midazolam
Midazolam comes as a syrup to take by mouth. It is usually given as a single dose by a doctor or nurse before a medical procedure or surgery.
Other
Keep all appointments with your child’s doctor.
Ask your child’s pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions about midazolam.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines your child is taking, as well as many products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time your child visits a doctor or if he or she is admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information on midazolam has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
