Survey of premedication in Germany 1998

A survey of 1,201 German anaesthesia departments was replied by 60%, For 8 different indications, benzodiazepines were used in up to 95%, most frequen tly midazolam, Anticholinergics (generally atropine) were used only by 16%, opioids predominantly in painful emergencies - then in 78% of adults vs, 4 5% of children - while other drugs were only rarely reportedly used. In 21% of adults scheduled for out-patient operation, no premedication was used. Oral premedication was used in up to 84% of adults and rectal in up to 22% of children. The results of this study highlight a complete change of preme dication habits in Germany in comparison to previous decades.