Generic name: midazolam (injection) [ mi-DAZ-oh-lam ]
Dosage forms: injectable solution (0.5 mg/mL preservative-free-D5%; 1 mg/mL; 1 mg/mL preservative-free; 1 mg/mL preservative-free-D5%; 1 mg/mL-NaCl 0.8%; 1 mg/mL-NaCl 0.9%; 2 mg/mL-NaCl 0.9%; 200 mg/200 mL-D5%; 5 mg/mL; 5 mg/mL preservative-free), intravenous solution (0.5 mg/mL-NaCl 0.9%; 1 mg/mL preservative-free; 1 mg/mL-NaCl 0.9%; 2 mg/mL-NaCl 0.9%; 200 mg/200 mL-D5%)
Drug class: Benzodiazepines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 2, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is midazolam?

Midazolam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to help you relax before having a minor surgery, dental work, or other medical procedure. Midazolam injection is also used to sedate a patient who needs a ventilator.

Midazolam injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Midazolam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with midazolam if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma.

Tell your doctor if you've ever had:

• open-angle glaucoma;

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);

• kidney failure; or

• congestive heart failure.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Midazolam may harm an unborn baby, and generally should not be used during pregnancy.

Sedatives used during surgery may affect brain development in a young child or unborn baby (when used in the mother), which may lead to learning or behavior problems later in life. Long surgeries or repeated procedures pose the highest risks.

It may still be necessary to use a sedative for a life-threatening condition, medical emergency, or surgery to correct a birth defect. Your doctor can inform you about all medicines given during a surgery or procedure.

How is midazolam injection given?

Midazolam is injected into a muscle or vein by a healthcare provider.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely.

Midazolam injection is for a single use, or for continuous infusion in a person on a ventilator. Ongoing use of midazolam may be habit-forming or cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid after receiving midazolam?

Avoid drinking alcohol within the first 1 or 2 days after you receive midazolam injection.

Midazolam can cause extreme memory loss that may last for several hours after the injection. Midazolam can also cause severe dizziness or drowsiness for up to 24 hours, or longer in older adults.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until the effects of midazolam have worn off completely, or until 24 hours after injection (whichever comes first). Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Midazolam side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Midazolam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. Your medical caregivers will watch you for symptoms such as weak or shallow breathing.

Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:

• trouble breathing;

• confusion, agitation; or

• tremors, uncontrolled muscle movements.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury. You may need help getting out of bed for at least the first 8 hours.

Common side effects of midazolam may include:

• amnesia;

• headache, drowsiness;

• hiccups;

• nausea, vomiting; or

• pain, redness, or a hard lump where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect midazolam?

Shortly after you are treated with midazolam, using other drugs that make you sleep or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• any other benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam, diazepam, Valium, Xanax, and others);

• antibiotic or antifungal medicine;

• heart or blood pressure medicine; or

• HIV or AIDS medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect midazolam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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