Premedication for day case surgery. A study of oral midazolam

A double-blind, between-patient trial was used to assess midazolam 7.5 and 15 mg as oral premedication for day case surgery. Midazolam 7.5 mg did not produce significant anxiolysis or sedation in comparison to placebo as measured by patient self-assessment linear analogue scales and observer scores. Midazolam 15 mg caused significant anxiolysis and sedation pre-operatively but also at 2 hours following awakening. Psychomotor performance assessed by digital-symbol substitution tests was significantly impaired by midazolam, in both doses, throughout the period of investigation. Midazolam 15 mg orally provides good premedication but the prolonged effects make it unsuitable for short-stay patients.