midazolam
Pronunciation: mid-AZ-oh-lam
A short-acting water-soluble benzodiazepine used in dental anesthesiology for premedication, anxiolysis, and induction of moderate sedation via intravenous, intramuscular, intranasal, or oral routes.
Full Definition
Midazolam is a triazolobenzodiazepine that produces anxiolysis, anterograde amnesia, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant effects through GABA-A receptor modulation. In dental practice it is administered by multiple routes—oral syrup in paediatric premedication, intranasal spray, and intravenously for conscious sedation. Its amnestic properties mean patients may have no recall of the procedure despite appearing awake, a clinical nuance editors should understand when reviewing patient information leaflets. 'Midazolam' is always lowercase, one word, and should not be confused with the structurally related 'triazolam' or the longer-acting 'diazepam'.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase. Distinguish from diazepam (longer-acting) and triazolam (ultra-short-acting). Confirm route of administration is specified in clinical documents, as dosing varies substantially by route.
In Context
- "Oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg was administered 30 minutes before the appointment to reduce preoperative anxiety in the six-year-old patient." — Paediatric sedation consent form
- "The protocol required that intravenous midazolam be titrated in 1 mg increments with two-minute intervals between doses." — Conscious sedation clinical guideline