[Effects of midazolam as intramuscular premedicant administered 15 and 30 min before induction of anesthesia].

We compared effects of midazolam as intramuscular premedicant on hypnosis, sedation and antegrade amnesia when administered 15 (32 cases) and 30 (35 cases) min before induction of anesthesia. Hypnosis was obtained in 97 and 91%, and sedation in 97 and 100% of patients administered midazolam 15 and 30 min before induction, respectively. Antegrade amnesia was observed in 97 and 72% of patients administered midazolam 15 and 30 min before, respectively (statistically significant). If midazolam is administered 15 min before, the respiratory depression, one of its unacceptable side effects, may hardly occur because patient arrives operating room before its onset. We conclude that the appropriate time for administration of midazolam as intramuscular premedicant is 15 min, rather than 30 min, before the induction of anesthesia.