Comparison of triazolam to a chloral hydrate/hydroxyzine combination in the sedation of pediatric dental patients.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of triazolam to chloral hydrate with hydroxyzine when sedating young children for dental treatment. Twenty children, age 21 to 74 months, with a mean age of 44 months, were given triazolam. Twenty children, age 23 to 64 months, with a mean age of 42 months, were given chloral hydrate with hydroxyzine. The children were given an elixir of either .02 mg/kg triazolam or 40 mg/kg chloral hydrate with 25 mg hydroxyzine. All subjects received 50% nitrous oxide and were restrained with a Papoose Board. The sedations were videotaped and evaluated by two pediatric dentists not involved in the study. They rated the success of the sedations by degree of sleep, crying, body movements, and overall behavior. Time until onset of action of the agents given, oxygen saturation of arterial blood, and heart rate were measured. The vital signs were consistent for the two groups. There was no statistical difference in the effectiveness of sedation between the two groups.