[The amnesic effects of midazolam in premedication of children].

The aim of this study was to check local and general tolerance as well as anxiolytic and amnesic effects of midazolam intramuscular administration as a premedication in 4 to 10 years old children. A double blind, comparative study with a placebo was achieved, after drawing lots, in 40 children divided into two equal groups. Premedication consisted of either midazolam or injectable water administrated with a posology of 0.3 to 0.5 mg.kg-1 combined, in both cases, with atropine sulfate (0.015 mg.kg-1). Results confirmed good local and general tolerance. Also anterograde amnesia was found to be excellent: 17 children in the midazolam group did not remember a photograph shown after premedication, instead of only one in the placebo group. Anxiolytic effects, similar in both groups, cannot be considered owing to the too short interval of time from premedication to induction.