Use of midazolam as an induction agent: comparison with thiopentone

A prospective, randomized, single-blind investigation was undertaken into the value of midazolam as an agent for the induction of anaesthesia. Sixty patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery of short duration were allocated randomly to receive either midazolam 0.2 mg kg-1 or thiopentone 3 mg kg-1. The induction time (measured as the time until loss of eyelash reflex) in the thiopentone group was significantly shorter than in the midazolam group. No differences were observed between the two drugs as regards time to onset of apnoea, or changes in heart rate and arterial pressure.