Comparison of i.v. diazepam and hydroxyzine as surgical premedicants.

Diazepam and hydroxyzine as i.v. surgical premedicants were compared. A double-blind randomized sequence was used employing 7.5 and 15 mg of diazepam v. 75 and 150 mg of hydroxyzine. Each group consisted of 35 patients. Anxiety relief, sedation, lack of recall and patient acceptance were the principal assessments. Diazepam was superior to hydroxyzine in all respects. No serious side-effects were noted with either drug.