Pharmacokinetics of midazolam in critically ill neonates

Summary Midazolam is a water soluble benzodiazepine, with a short elimination half-life in adults and children. An IV bolus of midazolam 0.2 mg · kg^–1 was administered to 10 critically ill neonates receiving intensive care who required sedation.The plasma clearance was 6.85 ml · min^–1 and the elimination half-life was 6.52 h. Midazolam was well tolerated during and after administration.Because of its short half-life compared to diazepam, midazolam could be used during the neonatal period to produce brief rapid sedation.