Double-Blind Study of the Reversal of Midazolam-Induced Sedation in the Intensive Care Unit with Flumazenil (Ro 15–1788): Effect on Weaning from Ventilation

Abstract

Midazolam (0.1–0.2 mg/kg/hr) and morphine (2 mg/hr) were given by carefully regulated continuous intravenous infusions to thirty patients who required sedation, analgesia and ventilation for between twelve and twenty-four hours in the Intensive Care Unit. The midazolam and morphine infusions were stopped at the end of the period of sedation required and the efficacy of placebo or flumazenil in reversing the sedative effects of midazolam was compared in this double-blind randomised parallel group study.

Patients receiving flumazenil were less sedated (P < 0.05), able to obey commands (P < 0.05), weaned from ventilation (P < 0.05) and extubated (P < 0.05) significantly earlier than those receiving placebo.