[Clonidine vs. Midazolam for premedication - comparison of the anxiolytic effect by using the STAI-test]

Many investigations described a positive effect of clonidine for premedication (reduction of perioperative stress response, analgetic effect, anaesthetic-saving effect, prophylaxis of postoperative shivering). The most important objective in premedication is undisputed anxiolysis. The anxiolytic effect of clonidine is differently discussed. Therefore we investigated the anxiolytic effect of clonidine in comparison to midazolam.

50 patients (ASA 1 - 3) were included in the present doubleblinded, prospective study. These patients got an oral premedication with 1 mg flunitrazepam in the evening before surgery and 5 microg/kg(-1) clonidine or 100 microg/kg(-1) midazolam 60 - 90 minutes before surgery. By using Spielbergers State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-G X1) we registered the degree of state-anxiety before and after premedication.

Both clonidine as well as midazolam showed a significant reduction of the state-anxiety over time (p < 0,001). Between the groups there were no differences in the STAI-scores at any time (p > 0,05). The degree of reduction in the state-anxiety were comparable between the groups.

In addition to the higher up listed effects clonidine showed a anxiolytic effect, which is comparable to midazolam. Therefore clonidine is an interesting alternative to benzodiazepines, which are commonly used drugs for premedication.