A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CHLORAL HYDRATE/HYDROXYZINE VERSUS MIDAZOLAM/MEPERIDINE AS ORAL CONSCIOUS SEDATIVE REGIMENS

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and complications of two oral sedative regimens, chloral hydrate (60mg/kg)/hydroxyzine(25mg) versus midazolam(1mg/kg)/meperidine(1mg/kg) for the sedation of pediatric dental patients. Fifteen patients(mean age 36.2months, range 24-47months), ASA Class I or II, who needed at least two restorative dental procedures were selected in this double-blind, randomized study. All subjects were randomly assigned to receive either chloral hydrate/hydroxyzine or midazolam/meperidine and 50% was administered at each appointment. Behavior assessment(sleep, movement, crying, overall behavior) was made using Houpt Sedation Rating Scale and physiologic parameters(pulse rate, oxygen saturation) were monitored using pulse oximeter. The incidence of hypoxia( 90% or less, at least 10s duration) and vomiting was recorded. Patients sedated with chloral hydrate/hydroxyzine showed significantly better overall behavior score than patients sedated with midazolam/meperidine. There was no clinically significant difference in the incidence of hypoxia and vomiting. It was concluded that oral administration of chloral hydrate/hydroxyzine is more effective than midazolam/meperidine for the sedation of pediatric dental patients.