Midazolam , pronounced m??dæz?læm (and marketed under brand names in English speaking countries, Dormicum , Hypnovel , Midacum and Versed ) [ 1 ] is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative . more

Midazolam , pronounced m??dæz?læm (and marketed under brand names in English speaking countries, Dormicum , Hypnovel , Midacum and Versed ) [ 1 ] is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative . It has potent anxiolytic , amnestic , hypnotic , anticonvulsant , skeletal muscle relaxant and sedative properties. [ 2 ] Midazolam is unique amongst benzodiazepines in that it is water soluble rather than fat soluble like most other benzodiazepines. It is considered an ultra short-acting benzodiazepine, with an elimination half-life of about 2 hours. It is used in some countries for the short term treatment of insomnia and in many countries as a premedication before surgery. [ 3 ] It is therefore a very useful drug to use for short minor procedures such as dental extraction . less