[The effects of midazolam on the general, coronary and cerebral circulation (author's transl)]

The effects of midazolam (0.3 mg/kg body weight) on cardiovascular haemodynamics, coronary blood flow and cerebral blood flow were studied in fentanyl/halothane anaesthetized and artifically ventilated dogs. There was only a slight decrease in mean aortic pressure and dp/dtmax. Heart rate, cardiac output, coronary bood flow and myocardial oxygen consumption essentially remained unchanged. Cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygen consumption did not change significantly. Cerebral perfusion pressure slightly decreased due to a reduction in mean aortic pressure. Our results demonstrate that midazolam in induction doses exerts only minimal efffects on the general, coronary and cerebral circulation. Midazolam might be of benefit in clinical practice due to its rapid onset, short duration of action, minimal cardiovascular side effects and water solubility. However, these results from experimental animals have to be confirmed in man.