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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

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Published on: October 16, 2013

[Hypnotically active blood level of midazolam]

P M Lauven, H Stoeckel

    Anasthesie, Intensivtherapie, Notfallmedizin
    |April 1, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study found that midazolam (MDZ) plasma concentrations required to induce and reverse unconsciousness in healthy volunteers remained consistent across multiple infusion cycles. Acute tolerance to midazolam was not observed.

    Area of Science:

    • Pharmacology
    • Neuroscience

    Context:

    • Midazolam is a widely used sedative-hypnotic agent.
    • Understanding its dose-response relationship is crucial for safe clinical application.

    Purpose:

    • To determine the venous threshold concentrations of midazolam for various levels of consciousness and reflexes.
    • To investigate the potential development of acute tolerance to midazolam during repeated infusions.

    Summary:

    • Healthy volunteers received controlled midazolam infusions to assess plasma concentrations for sleep induction, loss of responsiveness, and recovery.
    • Threshold concentrations for different endpoints, including eyelid reflex and orientation, were measured across three infusion cycles.
    • No significant increase in threshold concentrations was observed, indicating a lack of acute tolerance.

    Impact:

    • Provides precise pharmacokinetic data for midazolam's sedative effects.
    • Informs clinical practice regarding optimal dosing and monitoring of midazolam infusions.
    • Contributes to the understanding of drug tolerance mechanisms.

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