Comparative study of two long-acting tranquillizers for oral premedication

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Preoperative anxiety management is crucial for patient comfort.
• Oral premedication aims to reduce anxiety and improve surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and side effects of lorazepam versus promethazine as oral premedication in women undergoing surgery.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind study compared lorazepam (2.5 mg) with promethazine (50 mg) for oral premedication.
• Effectiveness and side effects were assessed up to 6 hours post-ingestion.

Main Results:

• Both drugs effectively relieved anxiety and lorazepam demonstrated amnesic effects.
• Lorazepam significantly increased salivation and vomiting compared to promethazine.
• Promethazine caused dyskinetic side effects in a subset of patients.

Conclusions:

• While both lorazepam and promethazine are effective anxiolytics, lorazepam is associated with increased salivation and vomiting.
• Promethazine may cause dyskinetic side effects.
• Choice of premedication should consider the specific side effect profile.