What it means
A fast-acting benzodiazepineben-zoh-dy-AZ-uh-peenA group of calming drugs that slow brain activity, used for anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal and sedation.Full entry . It is given IV, IM, by mouth or into the nose to calm a client and cause short-term memory loss before procedures, as part of anesthesia, and to treat long or clustered seizures. Its main dangers are slow, shallow breathing and low blood pressure, especially when combined with opioids. IV midazolam, and oral midazolam used to sedate children, are on ISMP's high-alert list.
For the nurse
Give IV midazolam only where the client's breathing, oxygen saturation and heart rate can be watched continuously, with oxygen, suction and airway equipment ready. flumazenilfloo-MAZ-uh-nilAn IV drug that blocks benzodiazepines and reverses the sedation they cause.Full entry reverses it. Keep the client in bed with the call light in reach until fully awake.
In a chart
"Midazolam 2 mg IV given before bronchoscopy; SpO2 97%, RR 14, client drowsy but rousable."
At a glance
| Drug class | benzodiazepine (sedative) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Nayzilam (nasal spray), Seizalam (injection for seizures); most IV midazolam is generic |
| Spanish | midazolam |
| Also written | Nayzilam, Seizalam |
Related terms
seizure
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.
benzodiazepine
A group of calming drugs that slow brain activity, used for anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal and sedation.
flumazenil
An IV drug that blocks benzodiazepines and reverses the sedation they cause.