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What is midazolam oral syrup?
MIDAZOLAM (Versed®) is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines belong to a group of medicines that slow down the central nervous system. Midazolam is a drug that causes relaxation and sleep. In anesthesia it provides loss of awareness and memory for short diagnostic tests and surgical procedures; produces sleep at the beginning of surgery; or supplements other types of general anesthetics. In children, in can help reduce anxiety prior to medical or dental procedures, and may help avoid having to insert a needle to give sedatives intravenously. Midazolam does not reduce pain or cause loss of consciousness. Federal law prohibits the transfer of midazolam to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Generic midazolam syrup is available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• an alcohol or drug abuse problem
• bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, or other mental health condition
• glaucoma
• heart, kidney, or liver disease
• lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, asthma, or other breathing difficulties
• myasthenia gravis
• Parkinson's disease
• seizures or a history of seizures
• shortness of breath
• snoring
• suicidal thoughts
• an unusual or allergic reaction to midazolam, other benzodiazepines, cherries, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Midazolam syrup is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. It is not prescribed for use at home.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.What drug(s) may interact with midazolam?
• alcohol
• bosentan
• caffeine
• cimetidine
• disulfiram
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• flumazenil
• grapefruit juice
• herbal or dietary supplements such as kava kava, melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA, St. John's Wort or valerian
• imatinib, STI-571
• isoniazid
• levodopa
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam or triazolam
• medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances
• medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
• medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
• mifepristone, RU-486
• pioglitazone
• prescription pain medicines
• probenecid
• ranitidine
• rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin
• some antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin)
• some medicines for colds, hay fever or other allergies
• some medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems (amiodarone, diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil)
• some medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone)
• theophylline
• zafirlukast
• zileuton
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking midazolam?
Your condition will be closely monitored by a health care professional while you receive midazolam.
Grapefruit juice may increase the effects of midazolam. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you have had grapefruit juice prior to your appointment for your procedure.
The effects of midazolam can last for several hours after use. It can affect your ability to drive or do anything that needs mental alertness. Do not attempt to drive yourself home if you have received midazolam for minor outpatient surgery. You may feel dizzy and lightheaded. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit up or stand up quickly, especially if you are a child or an older patient. Alcohol can make you more drowsy or dizzy, avoid alcoholic drinks for at least 24 hours after you receive midazolam.
What side effects may I notice from receiving midazolam?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• disorientation, or hallucinations during recovery
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash or itching
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• agitation
• coughing, hiccups
• difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• drowsiness
• headache
• involuntary eye and muscle movements
• loss of memory of events just before, during, and after use
• nausea, vomiting
• restlessness
• speech difficulty
Where can I keep my medicine?
This medication will not be prescribed for use at home. It is only for use in the office or clinic of a health care professional, or in a hospital
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
