What is Midazolam used for?

Midazolam is used to help patients relax or lose memory before medical procedures like surgeries or endoscopies.

Can Midazolam cause breathing problems?

Yes, Midazolam can cause slow or stopped breathing, especially when used with other sedatives.

Is Midazolam safe for pregnant women?

Midazolam is considered to have potential risks to a developing fetus and should only be used if necessary.

Can I take Midazolam if I am breastfeeding?

Midazolam can pass into breast milk, so caution is advised when using it while nursing.

What should I do if I have an allergic reaction to Midazolam?

If you have a known hypersensitivity to this drug, you should not use it.

Why is Midazolam dangerous for premature babies?

The medication contains benzyl alcohol, which is not safe for premature infants.

How long does Midazolam last?

In adults, peak sedation typically occurs between 30 to 60 minutes after an intramuscular injection.

What are the signs of a Midazolam overdose?

Signs include extreme sleepiness, confusion, impaired coordination, and changes in vital signs like blood pressure.

Midazolam | CAS 59467-70-8 | DDLIGBOFAVUZHB

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Sedative-hypnotic (anesthetic)

Midazolam is a fast-acting sedative used to help patients relax or sleep before, during, or after medical procedures. It can be given by injection into a muscle or a vein. Because it can slow down breathing, it is only used in medical settings where doctors can monitor your heart and lungs closely.

How it worksMidazolam works by enhancing the effects of a natural chemical in your brain called GABA, which helps calm the central nervous system.

Brand names:CHROMIC CHLORIDE IN PLASTIC CONTAINER, CUPRIC CHLORIDE IN PLASTIC CONTAINER, NAYZILAM, MIDAZOLAM IN 0.9% SODIUM CHLORIDE, INDIUM IN 111 CHLORIDE, INULIN AND SODIUM CHLORIDE, HEPARIN SODIUM 1,000 UNITS IN SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER, HEPARIN SODIUM 25,000 UNITS IN SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER, MANGANESE CHLORIDE IN PLASTIC CONTAINER, MIDAZOLAM IN 0.8% SODIUM CHLORIDE, HEPARIN SODIUM 12,500 UNITS IN SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.45% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER, HEPARIN SODIUM 1,000 UNITS AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER, BIVALIRUDIN IN 0.9% SODIUM CHLORIDE

Used for

Pre-surgery relaxation and memory loss (amnesia)Relaxation before or during medical tests like endoscopies or bronchoscopiesInducing general anesthesia before other medicines are givenSedation for patients on breathing machines in intensive care

Conditions

Preoperative anxietyNeed for anesthesia induction

Class

BenzodiazepineSedativeAnestheticSedative-hypnotic (anesthetic)Central Nervous SystemRespiratory SystemCardiovascular System

How to take

FormsIntramuscular injection, Intravenous injection

RoutesInjection

Dosage is highly individualized by a medical professional based on the patient's age, health, and the specific procedure. Pediatric doses are usually calculated based on body weight (mg/kg).

Midazolam must be administered by trained medical professionals in a controlled setting with emergency equipment available. It is not for use in the spine (epidural or intrathecal).

Key warnings

Midazolam can cause severe breathing problems or even death, especially when used for sedation in settings that do not provide constant monitoring. It must only be used in hospitals or clinics where staff can immediately use oxygen, breathing masks, or breathing tubes if needed.

·Midazolam can cause severe breathing problems or even death, especially when used for sedation in settings that do not provide constant monitoring. It must only be used in hospitals or clinics where staff can immediately use oxygen, breathing masks, or breathing tubes if needed.
·Must be used in a setting with continuous heart and lung monitoring.
·Risk of breathing arrest is higher when used with other drugs that cause sleepiness.
·Immediate access to reversal agents like flumazenil is highly recommended.
·Avoid injection into arteries or leaking into surrounding tissue.

Do not use if

·People with a known allergy to Midazolam
·People with acute narrow-angle glaucoma
·Premature infants (due to benzyl alcohol content)

Side effects

Common

Changes in blood pressureChanges in pulse rateHeadachePain at the injection siteRedness or swelling at the injection siteMuscle stiffness

Serious

·Slowed or stopped breathing (respiratory depression)
·Airway blockage
·Low oxygen levels
·Heart arrest
·Paradoxical reactions like agitation or combativeness
·Unresponsiveness to stimuli

Seek help if

·Difficulty breathing
·Slowed breathing
·Extreme sleepiness
·Confusion or agitation

Interactions

·Opioids (like morphine or fentanyl) significantly increase the risk of dangerous breathing problems.
·Other drugs that cause sleepiness (CNS depressants) can make the sedative effects of Midazolam much stronger.
·The effects can vary depending on other medications currently being taken.

AlcoholMidazolam should not be used with alcohol as it increases the risk of severe respiratory depression.

Special populations

PregnancyMidazolam is classified as Category D, meaning there is evidence of risk to the human fetus. Use during pregnancy should only be considered if the benefit outweighs the risk to the baby.

BreastfeedingMidazolam passes into breast milk, so caution is needed if a nursing mother is given this medication.

PediatricMidazolam is used in children and infants for sedation, but doses are carefully calculated based on weight. Because the formula contains benzyl alcohol, it must not be used in premature infants.

GeriatricOlder adults and people over 70 may be more sensitive to Midazolam. Lower doses are often recommended because elderly patients may have slower organ function and take longer to recover.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Breathing rate and depth
·Oxygen levels (pulse oximetry)
·Heart rate and blood pressure
·Level of consciousness

Questions to ask

·How will my breathing be monitored while using Midazolam?
·Are there any interactions with my current medications?
·How long will it take for me to recover from the sedation?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetIM: 15 mins; IV: 3 to 5 mins

Half-life1.8 to 6.4 hours (mean approximately 3 hours)

DurationShort-acting

MetabolismHepatic metabolism to hydroxylated metabolites

ExcretionExcreted in the urine

Practical

OverdoseOverdose can cause extreme sleepiness, confusion, loss of coordination, and slowed vital signs. Medical staff will provide breathing support and monitor heart rate and blood pressure.

StorageStore between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Ingredients

Inactive

0.8% sodium chloride0.01% edetate disodium1% benzyl alcoholsodium hydroxidehydrochloric acidwater

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.