A comparative study of intranasal midazolam spray and oral midazolam syrup as premedication in pediatric patients

Background: Preoperative preparation of children to alleviate the stress and anxiety related to surgery is an important aspect of balanced anesthesia care, it can not only affect the smoothness of induction and emergence from anesthesia but also the emotional and psychological make-up of the child, considering the pharmacological profile, midazolam is widely considered to be the ideal premedicant. The purpose of our prospective randomized observer-blinded study is to compare the effect of midazolam through oral and intranasal routes and determine the safer, more effective, and acceptable route by children. Subjects and Methods: Sixty patients aged 2–8 years, belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologist I and II undergoing various surgeries were randomized into two groups of 30 each. Group O received 0.5 mg/kg of oral midazolam syrup, and Group N received 0.2 mg/kg of midazolam intranasal spray. Hemodynamic variables, sedation scores, ease of parental separation, and mask acceptance at the time of induction were studied. Results: Onset of sedation was shorter and the sedation scores were higher in intranasal group, separation from parents and acceptance to mask were satisfactory but statistically insignificant in both the groups. There was no statistical difference in hemodynamic parameters, and no major adverse effects were seen in either group. Conclusion: Both oral and intranasal midazolam are safe and effective as sedative premedication in children.