Use of midazolam--an alternative for controlled sedation

Midazolam hydrochloride (midazolam) is a short-acting central nervous system depressant that allows controlled sedation of the patient after open-heart surgery. Use of an intravenous (IV) loading dose induces sleep rapidly, and can be supplemented by a titratable infusion to allow variations in the sleep-wake cycle. A loading dose of 0.1 mg/kg is given slowly IV. A continuous infusion with the dose based on mcg/kg calculation allows the nurse to titrate the infusion based on the desired therapeutic response.