What is Midazolam?
Midazolam (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) is a benzodiazepine medication prescribed to patients to help them relax before having minor surgery, dental work, or medical procedures performed. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of midazolam.
Side effects of Midazolam
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue. Midazolam may slow down or even stop breathing. This is especially true if you've recently taken an opioid, alcohol, or another drug that slows breathing. You will be watched by your caregivers for signs such as shallow or weak breathing.
If you:
- Difficulty breathing; cough
- Low heart rate
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Tremors;
- Confusion is agitation. Hallucinations are also possible.
Dizziness or drowsiness may persist longer for older adults. Avoid falling and accidental injuries by exercising caution.
Midazolam can cause the following side effects:
- Amnesia, or forgetfulness following your surgery;
- Drowsiness, dizziness;
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Blurred vision
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Call the FDA's hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088 if you experience adverse side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Lorazepam, diazepam, topiramate, levetiracetam, promethazine, Ativan, and Keppra
Warnings
Midazolam may slow down or even stop breathing, particularly if it has been taken with alcohol or opioid medications. Midazolam will be administered in an office or hospital where vital signs are closely monitored.
Before you take this drug
Midazolam should be avoided if:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma;
- Untreated open-angle glaucoma, or glaucoma that is not controlled,
- Cherry allergy
If you've ever:
- Glaucoma;
- Breathing problems
- Congestive heart failure.
Inform your doctor of any pregnancy or nursing.
How to take Midazolam?
Midazolam can be given in a single dosage just prior to your procedure or surgery.Midazolam may slow down or even stop breathing. This is especially true if alcohol or opioid medications have been taken recently. Midazolam must only be administered in hospitals, dental offices, and other clinics where serious side effects are treated quickly.You will be closely monitored after you have taken midazolam to ensure that it is effective and has no harmful side effects.During surgery, your vital signs such as blood pressure, oxygen level and breathing will be carefully observed and closely monitored.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You are unlikely to miss a dosage in a medical environment.
What happens if I overdose?
A medical environment would treat an overdose quickly.
What should be avoided?
Avoid drinking alcohol immediately after taking midazolam. Midazolam may increase alcohol's effects, making it dangerous.Midazolam may cause adverse effects if grapefruit is consumed. After taking midazolam, avoid consuming any grapefruit-based products.The effects of midazolam may last for up to 48 hours. Do not drive or engage in any hazardous activities until they have completely worn off. Drowsiness or dizziness can lead to accidents or serious injuries.
Interaction with other drug
Using other drugs to make you sleepy, slow down your breathing, or cause anxiety or seizures can have dangerous side effects and even lead to death. Ask your doctor about these medications before you use them. Midazolam may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
