Comparison of clonidine and midazolam as anxiolytic premedication before wisdom tooth surgery: a randomized, double-blind, crossover pilot study.

PURPOSE: Anxiolytic and possible side effects of clonidine 150 μg compared to midazolam 7.5 mg for premedication in surgical wisdom tooth extraction were evaluated.

METHODS

In a prospective, randomized, double-blind crossover trial, ten patients undergoing bilateral wisdom tooth surgery received clonidine or midazolam orally 1 h before the treatment. Patients receiving midazolam for the first surgery received clonidine at the second surgery and vice versa. The anxiolytic efficacy was evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS) upon admission and 30, 50 and 60 min after administration of the medication. Patient satisfaction was recorded on a VAS after surgery and 7 days postoperatively.

RESULTS

As soon as 30 min after administration of midazolam (p < 0.03) and clonidine (p < 0.02), an anxiolytic effect was recorded. Both medications did not differ in patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Oral administration of clonidine 150 μg and midazolam 7.5 mg were rated as medications with equal anxiolytic effects before wisdom tooth surgery under local anesthesia.