MidazolamDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Dogs, Horses, Pigs and Sheep.

Water-soluble benzodiazepine sedative/anticonvulsant, enhancing GABA-A receptor activity in the CNS. Midazolam is principally used for its sedative, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant properties as a premedication and co-induction agent (combined with other drugs) prior to induction of general anesthesia. When midazolam is used alone, sedation may be adequate in ruminants, camelids, swine, rabbits, ferrets, and some birds; it does not appear to provide predictable sedation in dogs, cats, or hors

Midazolam exhibits similar pharmacologic actions as other benzodiazepines; subcortical levels (primarily limbic, thalamic, and hypothalamic) of the CNS are depressed, which produces anxiolytic, sedative, skeletal muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects.

In humans, hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines and acute narrow-angle glaucoma are contraindications. Intracarotid or other intra-arterial injections should also be avoided. Caution should be used in animals with hepatic or renal disease and debilitated or geriatric animals. Animals with congestive heart failure or hepatic dysfunction may eliminate the drug more slowly, and prolonged effects can occur.

At usual doses, midazolam is well tolerated in veterinary patients. Midazolam IV CRIs may cause thrombophlebitis less often than diazepam CRIs. In dogs, after morphine and acepromazine are given prior to surgery, midazolam given 0.2 mg/kg IV prior to propofol anesthesia caused excitement in some dogs.

■ Signs of sedation or paradoxical excitement ■ Baseline and periodic blood pressure ■ Respiratory rate, ETCO2, and pulse oximetry ■ Horses should be observed carefully for ataxia. ■ Clinical response to treatment