The effect of midazolam on persistent postoperative nausea and vomiting

The effect of intravenous midazolam on persistent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was compared to placebo in a prospective randomized double-blind study. Twenty patients aged 18 to 82 years with persistent PONV resistant to standard anti-emetics and present for greater than six hours were randomized to receive either an intravenous infusion of midazolam 1.0 mg/h or placebo. Nausea (P = 0.04), vomiting (P = 0.02) and the use of rescue anti-emetics (P = 0.003) were significantly less in the midazolam group. We conclude that low-dose intravenous infusion of midazolam significantly reduces persistent PONV.