Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the sedative effect of oral midazolam in preschool children. Forty-four preschool children (1-6 yrs) undergoing elective pediatric surgery were randomized into one of two groups to receive oral midazolam IV solution (Group M: 0.2mg•kg-1 BW) or saline (Group P: same volume as midazolam solution for body weight). These solutions were pre-mixed with syrup (0.1ml•kg-1 BW) containing 0.1mg•ml-1 atropine sulfate. Group M showed a significantly greater sedative effect than Group P on arrival at the operating room and during induction of anesthesia. The sedative effect for agitated children was no worse than that for non-agitated children. We conclude that oral midazolam (0.2mg•kg-1 BW) may provide a clinical advantage as a preanesthetic medication in children.
