GENERIC NAME: MIDAZOLAM - INJECTION (mid-AZE-oh-lam)

BRAND NAME(S): Versed

Warning | Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Rapid intravenous (IV) use of midazolam can cause severe breathing problems which could cause brain damage or be fatal if left untreated. Therefore, when using this medication IV it must be used only under close medical supervision. Children, infants, elderly or weak patients are more sensitive to the effects of midazolam. Thus, lower doses should be used for these patients or when other sedating drugs are used with midazolam. Newborns must not be given midazolam by rapid IV injection.

USES: Midazolam is used before operations or procedures to relax you, make you sleepy and to decrease your memory of the event.

OTHER USES: This drug may also be used to treat seizures.

HOW TO USE: This drug is given slowly by vein (IV) or into a large muscle (IM). The dosage is adjusted for your medical history, age and type of medical procedure or condition being treated. Drowsiness (sedative) effects usually are obvious within 15 minutes. The length of time before drug effects wear off varies considerably. Flumazenil is a medication that may be used to reverse the sedative effect of this drug.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, headache and pain or redness at the injection site might occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: unusually slow or shallow breathing. Very unlikely but report promptly: unusually fast/slow/ irregular heartbeat, fainting, confusion, mental/mood changes, trouble breathing, muscle twitching, uncontrolled movements. Seek immediate medical attention if an allergic reaction occurs, however unlikely. Symptoms include: throat discomfort, difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives, itching. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.