A COMPARISON OF MIDAZOLAM WITH TRIMEPRAZINE AS AN ORAL PREMEDICANT FOR CHILDREN

The effect of oral premedication was investigated in a double-blind, r andomised trial in 85 children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoid ectomy. Orally administered midazolam 0.5 mg.kg(-1) given 30 min pre-o peratively was compared with trimeprazine 2 mg.kg(-1) given 90 min pre -operatively and a placebo preparation. Compliance, sedation and ease of induction were assessed as were the duration and quality of recover y. Following premedication with midazolam none of the patients was anx ious, crying or distressed on leaving the ward, compared with 2/28 in the trimeprazine group and 5/28 in the placebo group (p = 0.0007). Mor e patients were calm and quiet on arrival in the anaesthetic room foll owing midazolam than following trimeprazine, with both premedicant age nts comparing favourably with placebo. There was no significant differ ence between the three groups in the time to recovery or the sedation score on discharge to the ward. Midazolam is a safe and effective oral premedicant for children.