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Comparison between alprazolam and hydroxyzine for oral premedication
C Franssen1, P Hans, J F Brichant
1Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital of Liège, Belgium.
Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia = Journal Canadien D'Anesthesie
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Alprazolam effectively reduced surgical anxiety compared to hydroxyzine, with no significant differences in sedation or amnesia. Alprazolam is a preferable premedicant due to fewer side effects and better anxiolytic properties.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Preoperative anxiety is common and can impact surgical outcomes.
- Oral premedicants are frequently used to manage anxiety and facilitate anesthesia induction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of oral alprazolam versus hydroxyzine as surgical premedicants.
- To evaluate their effects on anxiety, sedation, amnesia, and hemodynamic stability.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, controlled study involving 65 patients.
- Patients received either alprazolam 1 mg or hydroxyzine 75 mg one to two hours before surgery.
- Anxiety, sedation, and amnesia were assessed using validated scales and tests; safety was monitored via adverse effects and hemodynamics.
Main Results:
- Alprazolam significantly reduced patient-reported anxiety (28%, P < 0.01), while hydroxyzine showed no significant anxiolytic effect.
- No significant differences were found between the groups in sedation levels or amnesia.
- Hydroxyzine was associated with more minor side effects and pronounced changes in blood pressure compared to alprazolam.
Conclusions:
- Both alprazolam and hydroxyzine are safe and effective oral premedicants.
- Alprazolam demonstrates superior anxiolytic effects and a better safety profile, making it preferable to hydroxyzine for surgical premedication.