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Technical details about Midazolam, learn more about the structure, uses, toxicity, action, side effects and more

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2D Structure
Also known as: Dormicum, 59467-70-8, Versed, 8-chloro-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4h-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepine, Midazolamum, Buccolam
Molecular Formula
C18H13ClFN3
Molecular Weight
325.8  g/mol
InChI Key
DDLIGBOFAVUZHB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
FDA UNII
R60L0SM5BC

A short-acting hypnotic-sedative drug with anxiolytic and amnestic properties. It is used in dentistry, cardiac surgery, endoscopic procedures, as preanesthetic medication, and as an adjunct to local anesthesia. The short duration and cardiorespiratory stability makes it useful in poor-risk, elderly, and cardiac patients. It is water-soluble at pH less than 4 and lipid-soluble at physiological pH.
Midazolam is a Benzodiazepine.
1 2D Structure

2D Structure

2 Identification
2.1 Computed Descriptors
2.1.1 IUPAC Name
8-chloro-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepine
2.1.2 InChI
InChI=1S/C18H13ClFN3/c1-11-21-9-13-10-22-18(14-4-2-3-5-16(14)20)15-8-12(19)6-7-17(15)23(11)13/h2-9H,10H2,1H3
2.1.3 InChI Key
DDLIGBOFAVUZHB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
2.1.4 Canonical SMILES
CC1=NC=C2N1C3=C(C=C(C=C3)Cl)C(=NC2)C4=CC=CC=C4F
2.2 Other Identifiers
2.2.1 UNII
R60L0SM5BC
2.3 Synonyms
2.3.1 MeSH Synonyms

1. Dormicum

2. Hydrochloride, Midazolam

3. Maleate, Midazolam

4. Midazolam Hydrochloride

5. Midazolam Maleate

6. Ro 21 3981

7. Ro 21-3981

8. Ro 213981

9. Versed

2.3.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

1. Dormicum

2. 59467-70-8

3. Versed

4. 8-chloro-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4h-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepine

5. Midazolamum

6. Buccolam

7. Midazolamum [inn-latin]

8. Midazolam Base

9. Mezolam

10. Ro 21-3981

11. Nayzilam

12. Usl261

13. Dea No. 2884

14. Midazolam Civ

15. Chembl655

16. R60l0sm5bc

17. Chebi:6931

18. Usl-261

19. Hypnovel

20. 4h-imidazo(1,5-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine, 8-chloro-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-

21. 4h-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepine, 8-chloro-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-

22. 8-chloro-6-(o-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4h-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]-benzodiazepine

23. Dormicum (tn)

24. 12-chloro-9-(2-fluorophenyl)-3-methyl-2,4,8-triazatricyclo[8.4.0.0^{2,6}]tetradeca-1(10),3,5,8,11,13-hexaene

25. Ncgc00168254-01

26. Einecs 261-774-5

27. Unii-r60l0sm5bc

28. Brn 0625572

29. Medazolam

30. Midazolam [usp:inn:ban:jan]

31. 8-chloro-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4h-imidazo(1,5-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine

32. Buccolam (tn)

33. Nayzilam (tn)

34. 08j

35. 8-chlor-6-(2-fluorphenyl)-1-methyl-4h-imidazo(1,5-a)(1,4)benzodiazepin

36. 8-chloro-6-(o-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4h-imidazo(1,5-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine

37. Versed (salt/mix)

38. Dormonid (salt/mix)

39. Hypnovel (salt/mix)

40. Flormidal (salt/mix)

41. Midazolam [inn]

42. Midazolam [jan]

43. Midazolam [mi]

44. Midazolam [vandf]

45. Midazolam [mart.]

46. Midazolam [who-dd]

47. Midazolam (jan/usp/inn)

48. Schembl35061

49. Bidd:gt0647

50. Midazolam Hydrochloride, Solid

51. Gtpl3342

52. Midazolam [orange Book]

53. Midazolam Civ [usp-rs]

54. Dtxsid5023320

55. Midazolam [ep Monograph]

56. Bdbm21363

57. Hsdb 6751

58. Midazolam [usp Monograph]

59. Midazolam 0.1 Mg/ml In Methanol

60. Midazolam 1.0 Mg/ml In Methanol

61. Usl261 (nasal Spray Formulation)

62. Bcp21296

63. Hy-b0676

64. 59467-70-8 (free)

65. Zinc95626706

66. Akos015842580

67. Db00683

68. 4h-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepine, 8-chloro-6-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-1-methyl-, (z)-2-butenedioate

69. Db-015270

70. C07524

71. D00550

72. 467m640

73. A832332

74. Q423071

75. Midazolam Hydrochloride, United States Pharmacopeia (usp) Reference Standard

76. 4h-imidazo(1,5-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine, 8-chloro-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl

77. Midazolam Solution, 1.0 Mg/ml In Methanol, Ampule Of 1 Ml, Certified Reference Material

78. 12-chloro-9-(2-fluorophenyl)-3-methyl-2,4,8-triazatricyclo[8.4.0.0^{2,6}]tetradeca-1(14),3,5,8,10,12-hexaene

2.4 Create Date
2005-03-25
3 Chemical and Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 325.8 g/mol
Molecular Formula C18H13ClFN3
XLogP32.5
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count3
Rotatable Bond Count1
Exact Mass325.0782033 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass325.0782033 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area30.2 Ų
Heavy Atom Count23
Formal Charge0
Complexity471
Isotope Atom Count0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Covalently Bonded Unit Count1
4 Drug and Medication Information
4.1 Therapeutic Uses

Adjuvants, Anesthesia; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Anti-Anxiety Agents; GABA Modulators; Hypnotics and Sedatives

National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings. Midazolam. Online file (MeSH, 2014). Available from, as of August 28, 2014: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2014/mesh_browser/MBrowser.html


Midazolam is a familiar agent commonly used in the emergency department to provide sedation prior to procedures such as laceration repair and reduction of dislocations. Midazolam is also effective in the treatment of generalized seizures, status epilepticus, and behavioral emergencies, particularly when intravenous access is not available. Midazolam is often employed as an induction agent for rapid sequence endotracheal intubation...

PMID:9258787 Nordt SP and Clark RF. J Emerg Med. 15(3):357-65. (1997).


EXP THER: This study evaluated the anticonvulsant effectiveness of midazolam to stop seizures elicited by the nerve agent soman when midazolam was administered by different routes (intramuscular, intranasal or sublingual) at one of two different times after the onset of seizure activity. Guinea pigs previously prepared with cortical electrodes to record brain electroencephalographic activity were pre-treated with pyridostigmine (0.026 mg/kg, intramuscularly) 30 min. before challenge with a seizure-inducing dose of the nerve agent soman (56 microg/kg, subcutaneously), and 1 min. later, they were administered 2.0 mg/kg atropine sulfate admixed with 25.0 mg/kg 2-PAM Cl (intramuscularly). Groups of animals were administered differing doses of midazolam by the intramuscular, intranasal or sublingual route at either the onset of seizure activity or 40 min. after the onset of seizure activity that was detected in the electroencephalographic record. When given immediately after seizure onset, the anticonvulsant ED50 of intramuscular midazolam was significantly lower than that of intranasal midazolam, which in turn was significantly lower than sublingual midazolam at that time. At the 40-min. treatment delay, the anticonvulsant ED50s of intramuscular or intranasal midazolam did not differ and both were significantly lower than the sublingual route. Higher doses of midazolam were required to stop seizures at the 40-min. treatment delay time compared to immediate treatment. The speed of seizure control for intramuscular or intranasal midazolam was the same while sublingual midazolam acted significantly slower. Midazolam was effective in treating soman-induced seizures when given by all three routes, but with differences in potency and speed of action.

PMID:19053994 McDonough JH et al; Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 104(1):27-34. (2009).


For preoperative sedation and anxiolysis, and anterograde amnesia, midazolam is used IM or IV in adult or pediatric patients; the drug also is used orally in pediatric patients. When administered preoperatively, the drug relieves anxiety and provides sedation, light anesthesia, and anterograde amnesia of perioperative events.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2014; Drug Information 2014. Bethesda, MD. 2014, p. 2652


For more Therapeutic Uses (Complete) data for Midazolam (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.2 Drug Warning

/BOXED WARNING/ WARNING: Adult and Pediatric: Intravenous midazolam has been associated with respiratory depression and respiratory arrest, especially when used for sedation in noncritical care settings. In some cases, where this was not recognized promptly and treated effectively, death or hypoxic encephalopathy has resulted. Intravenous midazolam should be used only in hospital or ambulatory care settings, including physicians' and dental offices, that provide for continuous monitoring of respiratory and cardiac function, i.e., pulse oximetry. Immediate availability of resuscitative drugs and age- and size-appropriate equipment for bag/valve/mask ventilation and intubation, and personnel trained in their use and skilled in airway management should be assured. For deeply sedated pediatric patients, a dedicated individual, other than the practitioner performing the procedure, should monitor the patient throughout the procedure. The initial intravenous dose for sedation in adult patients may be as little as 1 mg, but should not exceed 2.5 mg in a normal healthy adult. Lower doses are necessary for older (over 60 years) or debilitated patients and in patients receiving concomitant narcotics or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. The initial dose and all subsequent doses should always be titrated slowly; administer over at least 2 minutes and allow an additional 2 or more minutes to fully evaluate the sedative effect. The use of the 1 mg/mL formulation or dilution of the 1 mg/mL or 5 mg/mL formulation is recommended to facilitate slower injection. Doses of sedative medications in pediatric patients must be calculated on a mg/kg basis, and initial doses and all subsequent doses should always be titrated slowly. The initial pediatric dose of midazolam for sedation/anxiolysis/amnesia is age, procedure, and route dependent. Neonates: Midazolam should not be administered by rapid injection in the neonatal population. Severe hypotension and seizures have been reported following rapid IV administration, particularly with concomitant use of fentanyl.

NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Midazolam (Midazolam Hydrochloride) Injection (Revised: July 2012). Available from, as of November 17, 2014: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=737361a0-8db1-4d3c-ba5e-44df3f49fa22


Serious cardiorespiratory adverse events have occurred after administration of midazolam. These have included respiratory depression, airway obstruction, oxygen desaturation, apnea, respiratory arrest and/or cardiac arrest, sometimes resulting in death or permanent neurologic injury. There have also been rare reports of hypotensive episodes requiring treatment during or after diagnostic or surgical manipulations particularly in adult or pediatric patients with hemodynamic instability. Hypotension occurred more frequently in the sedation studies in patients premedicated with a narcotic.

NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Midazolam (Midazolam Hydrochloride) Injection (Revised: July 2012). Available from, as of November 17, 2014: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=737361a0-8db1-4d3c-ba5e-44df3f49fa22


Serious respiratory adverse events have occurred after administration of oral midazolam hydrochloride syrup, most often when midazolam hydrochloride syrup was used in combination with other central nervous system depressants. These adverse events have included respiratory depression, airway obstruction, oxygen desaturation, apnea, and rarely, respiratory and/or cardiac arrest. When oral midazolam is administered as the sole agent at recommended doses respiratory depression, airway obstruction, oxygen desaturation, and apnea occur infrequently

NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Midazolam (Midazolam Hydrochloride) Injection (Revised: July 2012). Available from, as of November 17, 2014: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=9864801b-6c92-45aa-9c0c-b4b49666c31d


... The immediate availability of specific reversal agents (flumazenil) is highly recommended. Vital signs should continue to be monitored during the recovery period. Because intravenous midazolam depresses respiration.. and because opioid agonists and other sedatives can add to this depression, midazolam should be administered as an induction agent only by a person trained in general anesthesia and should be used for sedation/anxiolysis/amnesia only in the presence of personnel skilled in early detection of hypoventilation, maintaining a patent airway and supporting ventilation.

NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Midazolam (Midazolam Hydrochloride) Injection (Revised: July 2012). Available from, as of November 17, 2014: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=737361a0-8db1-4d3c-ba5e-44df3f49fa22


For more Drug Warnings (Complete) data for Midazolam (39 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.3 Drug Indication

**Intravenous** Indicated for promoting preoperative sedation, anxiolysis, anesthesia induction, or amnesia. **Intramuscular** Indicated for the treatment of status epilepticus in adults. **Nasal** Indicated for the acute treatment of intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity (i.e., seizure clusters, acute repetitive seizures) that are distinct from a patients usual seizure pattern in patients with epilepsy 12 years of age and older.


FDA Label


Treatment of prolonged, acute, convulsive seizures in infants, toddlers, children and adolescents (from three months to less than 18 years).

Buccolam must only be used by parents / carers where the patient has been diagnosed to have epilepsy.

For infants between three and six months of age, treatment should be in a hospital setting where monitoring is possible and resuscitation equipment is available.


5 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
5.1 Pharmacology

**General effects** Midazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Pharmacodynamic properties of midazolam and its metabolites, which are similar to those of other benzodiazepine drugs, include sedative, anxiolytic, amnestic, muscle relaxant, as well as hypnotic activities. Benzodiazepines enhance the inhibitory action of the amino acid neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Receptors for GABA are targeted by many important drugs that affect GABA function and are commonly used in the treatment of anxiety disorder, epilepsy, insomnia, spasticity, and aggressive behavior. **Sedation and memory** The onset of sedation after intramuscular administration in adults is 15 minutes, with maximal sedation occurring 30-60 minutes after injection. In one study of adults, when tested the following day, 73% of the patients who were administered midazolam intramuscularly had no recollection of memory cards shown 30 minutes following drug administration; 40% had no recollection of the memory cards shown 60 minutes after drug administration. Onset time of sedative effects in pediatric patients begins within 5 minutes and peaks at 15-30 minutes depending upon the dose administered. In the pediatric population, up to 85% had no memory of pictures shown after receiving intramuscular midazolam compared to 5% of the placebo control group. Sedation in both adult and pediatric patients is reached within 3 to 5 minutes post intravenous (IV) injection. The time of onset is affected by the dose administered and the simultaneous administration of narcotic pre-medication. Seventy-one (71%) percent of the adult patients in clinical endoscopy studies had no memory of insertion of the endoscope; 82% of the patients had no memory of withdrawal of the endoscope. **Anesthesia induction** When midazolam is administered intravenously (IV) for anesthetic induction, induction of anesthesia occurs in about 1.5 minutes when narcotic pre-medication has been given and in 2 to 2.5 minutes without narcotic pre-medication/ other sedative pre-medication. Impairment in a memory test was observed in 90% of the patients.


5.2 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Anesthetics, Intravenous

Ultrashort-acting anesthetics that are used for induction. Loss of consciousness is rapid and induction is pleasant, but there is no muscle relaxation and reflexes frequently are not reduced adequately. Repeated administration results in accumulation and prolongs the recovery time. Since these agents have little if any analgesic activity, they are seldom used alone except in brief minor procedures. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p174) (See all compounds classified as Anesthetics, Intravenous.)


Hypnotics and Sedatives

Drugs used to induce drowsiness or sleep or to reduce psychological excitement or anxiety. (See all compounds classified as Hypnotics and Sedatives.)


Anti-Anxiety Agents

Agents that alleviate ANXIETY, tension, and ANXIETY DISORDERS, promote sedation, and have a calming effect without affecting clarity of consciousness or neurologic conditions. ADRENERGIC BETA-ANTAGONISTS are commonly used in the symptomatic treatment of anxiety but are not included here. (See all compounds classified as Anti-Anxiety Agents.)


GABA Modulators

Substances that do not act as agonists or antagonists but do affect the GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID receptor-ionophore complex. GABA-A receptors (RECEPTORS, GABA-A) appear to have at least three allosteric sites at which modulators act: a site at which BENZODIAZEPINES act by increasing the opening frequency of GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID-activated chloride channels; a site at which BARBITURATES act to prolong the duration of channel opening; and a site at which some steroids may act. GENERAL ANESTHETICS probably act at least partly by potentiating GABAergic responses, but they are not included here. (See all compounds classified as GABA Modulators.)


Adjuvants, Anesthesia

Agents that are administered in association with anesthetics to increase effectiveness, improve delivery, or decrease required dosage. (See all compounds classified as Adjuvants, Anesthesia.)


5.3 FDA Pharmacological Classification
5.3.1 Active Moiety
MIDAZOLAM
5.3.2 FDA UNII
R60L0SM5BC
5.3.3 Pharmacological Classes
Benzodiazepines [CS]; Benzodiazepine [EPC]
5.4 ATC Code

N05CD08


N05CD08

S76 | LUXPHARMA | Pharmaceuticals Marketed in Luxembourg | Pharmaceuticals marketed in Luxembourg, as published by d'Gesondheetskeess (CNS, la caisse nationale de sante, www.cns.lu), mapped by name to structures using CompTox by R. Singh et al. (in prep.). List downloaded from https://cns.public.lu/en/legislations/textes-coordonnes/liste-med-comm.html. Dataset DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4587355


N - Nervous system

N05 - Psycholeptics

N05C - Hypnotics and sedatives

N05CD - Benzodiazepine derivatives

N05CD08 - Midazolam


5.5 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Absorption

**Oral Absorption**: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration. The absolute bioavailability, if given intramuscularly (IM), is greater than 90%. Due to first pass metabolism, only 40-50% of the administered oral dose reaches the circulation. The absolute bioavailability of the midazolam syrup in pediatric patients is about 36%. **Intramuscular Absorption**: The mean peak concentration (Cmax) and time to peak (Tmax) following the IM dose was 90 ng/mL (20% CV) and 0.5 hour (50% CV). **Rectal administration**: After rectal administration midazolam is absorbed rapidly. Maximum plasma concentration is reached within 30 minutes. The absolute bioavailability is approximately 50%. **Intranasal Administration**: Midazolam is absorbed rapidly after intranasal administration. Mean peak plasma concentrations are reached within 10.2 to 12.6 minutes. The bioavailability is between 55 and 57%.


Route of Elimination

The _-hydroxymidazolam_ glucuronide conjugate of midazolam is excreted in urine. No significant amount of parent drug or metabolites is found in urine before beta-glucuronidase and sulfatase deconjugation, suggesting that the urinary metabolites are excreted mainly as conjugates. The amount of midazolam excreted unchanged in the urine when given intravenously is less than 0.5%. 45% to 57% of the dose was excreted in the urine as 1-hydroxymethyl midazolam conjugate. Plasma clearance of midazolam is higher in patients that remain in supine position, because of a 40-60 percent increase in hepatic blood flow during supination. Pregnancy may also increase the metabolism of midazolam.


Volume of Distribution

Female gender, old age, and obesity may increase the volume of distribution. Midazolam may also cross the placenta and has been detected in human milk and cerebrospinal fluid. **Intravenous administration** 1.24 to 2.02 L/kg [pediatric patients (6 months to <16 years) receiving 0.15 mg/kg IV midazolam] 1 to 3.1 L/kg [midazolam intravenously administered, healthy adults]. **Intramuscular administration** The mean apparent volume of distribution of midazolam after a single IM dose of 10 mg midazolam in healthy adults was 2117 (845.1) mL/kg.


Clearance

**Intramuscular**: apparent total body clearance, 367.3 (73.5) mL/hr/kg. **Intravenous**: total clearance (Cl), 0.25 to 0.54 L/hr/kg


Following iv administration of midazolam hydrochloride in animals, the drug is widely distributed, with highest concentrations occurring in liver, kidneys, lungs, fat, and heart. The drug crosses the blood-brain barrier and distributes into cerebrospinal fluid in humans and animals. In animals, equilibration of midazolam between plasma and cerebrospinal fluid occurs within a few minutes following iv administration, and cerebrospinal fluid:plasma ratios of the drug are highly correlated with unbound midazolam once equilibrium is reached. Distribution of the drug into human lumbar cerebrospinal fluid may be slow and erratic. Distribution may be altered in geriatric patients.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2014; Drug Information 2014. Bethesda, MD. 2014, p. 2659-60


Absorption of midazolam hydrochloride from IM injection sites is rapid and nearly complete (mean absolute bioavailability is greater than 90%). Im bioavailability of the lactate appears to be similar to or slightly less than that of the hydrochloride; however, any such difference does not appear to be clinically important. Pharmacologic effects of midazolam usually are apparent within 5-15 min but may not be maximal until 15-60 min following IM administration; the duration of action usually is about 2 hr (range: 1-6 hr). Peak plasma midazolam concentrations generally are attained within 45 minutes following IM administration. Following administration of a single 12.5 mg (of midazolam) dose of the hydrochloride in healthy adults, peak plasma midazolam concentrations of approximately 200 ng/mL (range: 88-269 ng/mL) are attained. Peak plasma concentrations of midazolam and 1-hydroxymethylmidazolam (an active metabolite) attained following IM injections are approximately 50% of those attained following iv injection of a dose.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2014; Drug Information 2014. Bethesda, MD. 2014, p. 1659


Midazolam hydrochloride is absorbed rapidly from the GI tract, with maximum plasma concentration usually occurring within 1-2 hours. Following oral administration, the drug undergoes substantial first-pass metabolism in the liver and intestine, with only about 40-50% (range: 28-72%) of an orally administered dose reaching systemic circulation unchanged.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2014; Drug Information 2014. Bethesda, MD. 2014, p. 2659


At physiologic pH, midazolam is highly lipophilic; however, the lipophilicity of the drug decreases with decreasing pH. Following iv administration in humans, midazolam is rapidly and apparently widely distributed. The apparent volume of distribution of the drug in healthy adults reportedly averages 0.8-2.5 L/kg (range: 0.6-6.6 L/kg). Volume of distribution of midazolam appears to be 1.5 to 2 times higher in adults with chronic renal failure and 2 to 3 times higher in adults with congestive heart failure compared with healthy adults.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2014; Drug Information 2014. Bethesda, MD. 2014, p. 2659


For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for Midazolam (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


5.6 Metabolism/Metabolites

Midazolam is primarily metabolized in the liver and gut by CYP3A4 to its pharmacologic active metabolite, _alpha-hydroxymidazolam_ (also known as 1-hydroxy-midazolam), and 4-hydroxymidazolam (which makes up 5% or less of the biotransformation products). This metabolite likely contributes to the pharmacological effects of midazolam. Midazolam also undergoes N-glucuronidation via UGT1A4 after the process of hepatic oxidation by cytochrome enzymes.


... Midazolam has a rapid onset of action following intravenous, intramuscular, oral, nasal, and rectal administration. Only 50% of an orally administered dose reaches the systemic circulation due to extensive first-pass metabolism. Midazolam is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system to several metabolites including an active metabolite, alpha-hydroxymidazolam. Cytochrome P450 inhibitors such as cimetidine can profoundly reduce the metabolism of midazolam...

PMID:9258787 Nordt SP, Clark RF: J Emerg Med 15 (3): 357-65 (1997)


Midazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine routinely used in intensive-care medicine. Conjugates of its main metabolite, alpha-hydroxymidazolam, have been shown to accumulate in renal failure but have not previously been related to the prolonged sedative effects commonly observed in critically ill patients. /This study reports on/ five patients with severe renal failure who had prolonged sedation after administration of midazolam. In all five patients, the comatose state was immediately reversed by the benzodiazepine-receptor antagonist flumazenil. Serum concentration monitoring showed high concentrations of conjugated alpha-hydroxymidazolam when concentrations of the unconjugated metabolite and the parent drug were below the therapeutic range. In-vitro binding studies showed that the affinity of binding to the cerebral benzodiazepine receptor of glucuronidated alpha-hydroxymidazolam was only about ten times weaker (affinity constant 16 nmol/L) than that of midazolam (1.4 nmol/L) or unconjugated alpha-hydroxymidazolam (2.2 nmol/L). Conjugated metabolites of midazolam have substantial pharmacological activity. Physicians should be aware that these metabolites can accumulate in patients with renal failure.

PMID:7603229 Bauer TM et al; Lancet 346: 145-147 (1995)


The kinetics and dynamics of midazolam were investigated in 20 female patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery. The relation between the plasma concentrations of midazolam and pharmacokinetic end points was evaluated after an intravenous infusion regimen in 10 patients given an epidural anesthetic. The remaining 10 patients were anesthetized with a totally intravenous anesthetic technique with midazolam and alfentanil. The effect was assessed by means of a rating scale divided into degree of sedation and amnesia. A good correlation was found between plasma level of midazolam and pharmacodynamic response. The relation between the quantal response data and the plasma concentration was represented by an s-shaped concentration-effect curve. Despite similar kinetics of midazolam in the two groups, the postoperative drowsiness was more pronounced in the group receiving total intravenous anesthesia. The concomitant administration of alfentanil shifted the concentration-effect curve regarding sedation to the left.

PMID:3126014 Persson MP et al; Clin Pharmacol Ther 43: 324-31 (1988)


Midazolam is metabolized extensively in the liver and intestine by cytochrome P-450 CYP3A4. The drug rapidly undergoes hydroxylation via hepatic microsomal enzymes to form 1-hyroxymethylmidazolam (alpha-hydroxymidazolam), the principal metabolite, and 4-hydroxymidazolam; a small portion of 1-hydroxymethylmidzaolam is further hydroxylated to 1-hydroxymethyl-4-hydroxymidazolam (alpha,4-dihydroxymidazolam). These metabolites undergo rapid conjugation with glucuronic acid in the liver. Although the elimination half-life of the principal metabolite, 1-hydroxymethylmidazolam, is not clearly established, it is estimated to be about 60-80 min. The 1-hydroxymethyl and 4-hydroxy metabolites are reportedly pharmacologically active, but their potencies at equivalent molar concentrations appear to be substantially less than that of midazolam. The 1-hydroxymethyl-4-hydroxy metabolite appears to have little, if any, pharmacologic activity.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2014; Drug Information 2014. Bethesda, MD. 2014, p. 2660


For more Metabolism/Metabolites (Complete) data for Midazolam (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


Midazolam has known human metabolites that include 1'-Hydroxymidazolam, 4-Hydroxymidazolam, and Midazolam N-glucuronide.

S73 | METXBIODB | Metabolite Reaction Database from BioTransformer | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4056560


5.7 Biological Half-Life

**Intravenous**: healthy adults = 1.8 to 6.4 hours (mean of 3 hours). **Intramuscular**: Following IM administration of 10 mg midazolam, mean (SD) elimination half-life was 4.2 (1.87) hours.


Midazolam is extensively protein bound (more than 95%). With an intravenous dose of 0.075 mg/kg, the half-life is 68 min, the apparent volume of distribution is 0.23 L/kg, and the clearance is 13 mL/kg/min. The half-life is prolonged in patients with cirrhosis.

American Medical Association. AMA Drug Evaluations Annual 1991. Chicago, IL: American Medical Association, 1991., p. 76


...Most elimination half-life ranged from 2.9-4.5 hours in pediatric patients (6 months to less than 16 years of age) receiving IV midazolam 150 ug/kg. In seriously ill neonates, the terminal elimination half-life is substantially prolonged (ie. 6.5-12 hours).

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2014; Drug Information 2014. Bethesda, MD. 2014, p. 2660


Following a single IV dose in health adults, the half-life of midazolam in the initial distribution phase (t 1/2 alpha) averages 6-20 minutes, and the half-life in the terminal elimination phase (t 1/2 beta) averages 1-4 hours (range: 1-12.3 hours). Limited data suggest that the half-life of midazolam may be prolonged in obese patients (presumably secondary to an increased volume of distribution), geriatric individuals, and patients with impaired hepatic function or with congestive heart failure. The half-life of midazolam is also repeatedly prolonged in patients receiving the drug for induction of anesthesia associated with major surgical procedures...

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2014; Drug Information 2014. Bethesda, MD. 2014, p. 2660


5.8 Mechanism of Action

The actions of benzodiazepines such as midazolam are mediated through the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is one of the major inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines increase the activity of GABA, thereby producing a sedating effect, relaxing skeletal muscles, and inducing sleep, anesthesia, and amnesia. Benzodiazepines bind to the benzodiazepine site on GABA-A receptors, which potentiates the effects of GABA by increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening. These receptors have been identified in different body tissues including the heart and skeletal muscle, although mainly appear to be present in the central nervous system.


Midazolam has neurotoxic properties when administered neuraxially in vivo. Furthermore, midazolam induces neurodegeneration in neonatal animal models in combination with other general anesthetics. Therefore, this study focuses on the mechanism of neurotoxicity by midazolam in neuronal and nonneuronal cells. The study aims to evaluate the apoptotic pathway and to investigate the protective effects of the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil and the caspase inhibitor N-(2-quinolyl)valyl-aspartyl-(2,6-difluorophenoxy)-methylketone. The apoptosis-inducing effect of preservative-free midazolam on human lymphoma and neuroblastoma cell lines was evaluated using flow cytometric analysis of early apoptotic stages (annexin V/7AAD) and caspase 3 activation. B-cell lymphoma (Bcl2) protein overexpressing and caspase 9-deficient lymphoma cells were used to determine the role of the mitochondrial (intrinsic) pathway. Caspase 8-deficient and Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD)-deficient cells were used to evaluate the death receptor (extrinsic) pathway. The protective effects of flumazenil and the caspase inhibitor N-(2-quinolyl)valyl-aspartyl-(2,6-difluorophenoxy)-methylketone were investigated in neuroblastoma cells and primary rat neurons using metabolic activity assays (2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) and immunofluorescence microscopy. Midazolam induced apoptosis in all investigated cell types in a concentration-dependent manner, indicated by flow cytometry. Bcl2-overexpression and caspase 9 deficiency protected against toxicity, whereas caspase 8 or FADD deficiency had no effect. Pancaspase inhibition had a strong protective effect, whereas flumazenil did not inhibit midazolam-induced apoptosis. Midazolam induces apoptosis via activation of the mitochondrial pathway in a concentration-dependent manner. The mechanism of midazolam toxicity switches from caspase-dependent apoptosis to necrosis with increasing concentrations. The induction of apoptosis and necrosis by midazolam is presumably unrelated to GABAA receptor pathway signaling.

PMID:21701267 Stevens MF et al; Reg Anesth Pain Med 36 (4): 343-9 (2011)


A consummatory conflict procedure that involves an abrupt reduction in magnitude of an expected reward (negative contrast) has been shown to be particularly sensitive to the effects of anxiolytic agents. Midazolam released suppressed consummatory performance in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was not due to a general appetite stimulation effect of the drug. The effects of three 5-HT antagonists on negative contrast were examined to evaluate the role serotonin may play in the anxiolytic action of benzodiazepine. Methysergide was found to be ineffective, cinanserin tended to reduce contrast at two intermediate doses, and cyproheptadine eliminated the contrast effect in a similar fashion as midazolam. The effectiveness of cyproheptadine may not be attributed to its anticholinergic or antihistaminergic actions since scopolamine and pyrilamine did not produce similar efects. The results are discussed in terms of the role serotonin may play in the anti-conflict action of benzodiaepine, as well as possible interactional effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid.

PMID:3012590 Becker HC; Pharmacol Biochem Behav 24 (4): 1057-64 (1986)


The exact sites and mode of action of the benzodiazepines have not been fully elucidated, but the effects of the drugs appear to be mediated through the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The drugs appear to act at the limbic, thalamic, and hypothalamic levels of the CNS, producing anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, skeletal muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects. Benzodiazepines are capable of producing all levels of CNS depression-from mild sedation to hypnosis to coma. /Benzodiazepines/

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2014; Drug Information 2014. Bethesda, MD. 2014, p. 2642


Benzodiazepines appear to produce skeletal muscle relaxation predominantly by inhibiting spinal polysynaptic afferent pathways, but the drugs may also inhibit monosynaptic afferent pathways. The drugs may inhibit monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes by acting as inhibitory neuronal transmitters or by blocking excitatory synaptic transmission. The drugs may also directly depress motor nerve and muscle function. /Benzodiazepines/

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2014; Drug Information 2014. Bethesda, MD. 2014, p. 2642


For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for Midazolam (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


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