Rectal premedication in children. Use of diazepam, morphine and hyoscine

Rectal premedication with diazepam, morphine and hyoscine has been used in 20 healthy children undergoing minor surgery. Satisfactory sedation was achieved in the majority of children and the anticholinergic effects were also adequate. Peak plasma levels of diazepam and morphine were reached within 30 minutes, and the plasma levels decreased after 2 hours. No adverse effects on ventilation were seen during anaesthesia.