Clinical comparison of midazolam hydrochloride and midazolam maleate for anesthesia induction.

The current study was undertaken to determine whether the same doses (mg/kg) of 5 mg/ml of midazolam hydrochloride and 2.5 mg/ml of midazolam maleate are required for the induction of anesthesia. Midazolam hydrochloride and midazolam maleate were compared in a prospective double-blind fashion, in which both cardiopulmonary and sedative effects were measured in 12 patients who required repeated anesthesia for serial gynecologic radium insertions. The results showed no significant differences in clinical activity between midazolam maleate and the newer preparation, midazolam hydrochloride. Time of onset, recovery time, lack of venous irritation, and stability of cardiopulmonary variables when using the hydrochloride were essentially the same with the maleate.