The effectiveness of midazolam and hydroxyzine as sedative agents for young pediatric dental patients.

The purpose of the study was to compare hydroxyzine (HYD) and 0.2mg/Kg midazolam (MDZ) as sedative agents for young pediatric dental patients. Twenty-nine healthy two-to-four-year-old children participated in the study. Hydroxyzine was dripped nasally 10 minutes before treatment. The patient's crying, alertness, movement and general behavior were blindly assessed and statistically analyzed. No differences were found between the mean general behavior scores nor between the first and second visits in both groups. A significant difference (p < 0.02) was found in the acceptance of the face and nasal masks by children of the midazolam group between the first and second appointments. None of the children of this group cried nor moved at the first visit. The results of the study indicate that midazolam is somewhat more effective than hydroxyzine as a sedative agent for short procedures in young pediatric dental patients.