[Premedication in children: a comparison of oral midazolam and rectal bromazepam].

Seventy-seven children for minor surgery of less than 90 minutes in duration were divided into two groups; one group received midazolam syrup and the other received bromazepam suppository. The sedative effect before or after the induction of the anesthetic, the effect on the circulatory system, and the prolongation of the sedative effect after surgery were studied. Regarding the sedative effect before or during the induction of anesthesia, both medications were effective with no significant difference between the two groups. However, the bromazepam suppository had a significantly better sedative effect 1 or 2 hours after the surgery. In children under 4 years of age, the sedative effect during the induction was obtained by administering midazolam syrup before the surgery. It is indicated that midazolam syrup is superior to the bromazepam suppository in children under 4 years of age.