What is Midazolam?
Midazolam can be used by itself or in combination with other medications to reduce anxiety. It may also cause sleepiness. Midazolam can also be used in intensive care units (ICUs) to maintain sedation for people on ventilators. 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, particularly if you've recently consumed alcohol or opioid medications. If you're having difficulty waking up, have blue lips, or have slow breathing, someone caring for you may need to seek medical help.
Midazolam may cause severe side effects, including:
- Trouble breathing
- Confusion, agitation;
- Tremors are uncontrolled movements of the muscles.
Midazolam may cause memory or thinking problems that can last for several hours.
Midazolam can cause the following side effects:
- Amnesia Sleep Apnea
- An irregular heartbeat and blood pressure
- Headache, drowsiness;
- Cough, hiccups;
- Slow breathing
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Pain, bruising, or swelling where the medication was injected.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report any adverse reactions by calling the FDA's Help Line at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Midazolam may slow down or even stop breathing. This is especially true if you've recently taken an opioid drug, alcohol, or any other substance that slows breathing. This medicine can cause withdrawal symptoms that are life-threatening to the baby if taken during pregnancy. Do not use it other than as prescribed. Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking or if there is a medical condition or allergy.
Before you take this drug
Midazolam should not be used if:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma.
If you or a family member have:
- An electrolyte balance (such as a low potassium or magnesium level in the blood);
- Open-angle glaucoma;
- Recently used alcohol or sedatives;
- Chronic obstructive lung disease (copd);
- Congestive heart failure;
- Liver or kidney disease
Anesthesia can affect the brain development of a child or an unborn baby when used on the mother. This may cause learning and behavior issues later in life. The highest risk is associated with long surgeries and repeated procedures. It may be necessary to use anesthesia for certain situations, such as a medical emergency or surgery performed to correct a defect. You can ask your doctor about any medicines that were given to you during surgery. Midazolam contains an ingredient that can have serious adverse effects on babies or even cause death. Your baby may suffer from life-threatening withdrawal syndrome if you take midazolam while pregnant. You will need to seek medical attention for several weeks. Do not breastfeed within four to eight hours after taking midazolam. Don't breastfeed for 4–8 hours after taking midazolam. Tell your doctor about any signs of excessive sedation or poor weight gain.
How to take Midazolam?
Midazolam can be injected either into the muscle or vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare professional. You will be closely monitored for your breathing, blood oxygen level, and other vital indicators. Midazolam can be addictive. If you abruptly discontinue taking midazolam, withdrawal symptoms could develop.
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?
Don't drink alcohol. Midazolam can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid driving until all effects have completely worn off. Drowsiness or dizziness can lead to accidents or serious injuries.
Interaction with other drug
At times it may not be safe to take certain medications at the same time. Some medicines can cause your blood level of another drug to increase, which could lead to side effects or less effectiveness. Ask your doctor before taking an opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, medicine to treat anxiety, or a seizure, consult your doctor.
