Temazepam absorption in patients before surgery

We have compared the rates of absorption and efficacies of temazepam 30 mg in elixir and capsule formulations in 100 patients before surgery. Both formulations provided anxiolysis and sedation, but there was wide variation in plasma concentrations of temazepam between individuals and between formulations. The presence or absence of anxiety did not influence the absorption of the preparations. It is suggested that plasma concentrations in excess of 200 ng ml-1 are required for sedation and anxiolysis, and that this may be achieved more reliably using the elixir formulation.