Pre-operative sedation

Oral treatment of pre-operative sedation
Temazepam
Temazepam 10mg tablets

Pre-medication, 10-20mg (elderly, 10mg) 1 hour before operation.

Prescribing Notes:

  • Temazepam is short-acting and first choice for day case surgery; timing of the dose is important.
  • Flumazenil can be used to reverse the effect of benzodiazepines.
  • For propofol or Entonox (or Equanox) sedation see ‘Analgesia using inhaled anaesthetics’ pathway on the Induction and maintenance of anaesthesia page.

History Notes

27/10/2022

East Region Formulary content agreed.

Intravenous treatment of pre-operative sedation
Midazolam
Midazolam 5mg/5ml solution for injection ampoules

By intravenous injection, 1mg titrated slowly to response.

Prescribing Notes:

  • Midazolam is drug of choice for intravenous sedation but has no analgesic effect.
  • For propofol or Entonox (or Equanox) sedation see ‘Analgesia using inhaled anaesthetics’ pathway on the Induction and maintenance of anaesthesia page.

History Notes

27/10/2022

East Region Formulary content agreed.