Midazolam: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Midazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine sedative. It is a prescription medicine used for sedation for procedures, sedation in intensive care, seizures and status epilepticus. In Pakistan it is available as injections and tablets, made by 2 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Midazolam works

Midazolam boosts the action of GABA, the brain's main calming chemical. This quickly reduces anxiety, causes drowsiness, relaxes muscles and stops seizure activity. It works fast and wears off relatively quickly, and people often have little memory of the procedure afterwards.

What is Midazolam used for?

• Sedation for procedures
• Sedation in intensive care
• Seizures
• Status epilepticus

Midazolam is used to make people calm, relaxed and drowsy before and during medical procedures such as endoscopy, dental work or minor surgery, and as part of anaesthesia. It is also used in intensive care to keep patients comfortable on a ventilator. In addition, mouth or nasal forms can be given to stop prolonged seizures, often by trained carers following an agreed care plan.

Side effects of Midazolam

Because Midazolam is a sedative, some effects are expected. The more common ones include:

• Drowsiness
• Short-term memory loss around the procedure
• Dizziness or unsteadiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Hiccups

Midazolam can slow or stop breathing, especially with opioids or in older or frail people, which is why it is given with monitoring. Seek emergency help if someone given it for a seizure has blue lips, very slow breathing or cannot be woken.

Precautions and warnings

• It is a controlled medicine that can cause dependence with repeated use; after prolonged use it is reduced gradually rather than stopped suddenly.
• Do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol or make important decisions for the rest of the day after receiving it for a procedure, and have an adult take you home.
• Tell the team if you have breathing problems, sleep apnoea, myasthenia gravis, or liver or kidney disease, or if you take opioid painkillers or other sedatives.
• Some medicines, including certain antifungals, HIV medicines and macrolide antibiotics, can make its effects much stronger.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions about Midazolam

What is the price of Midazolam in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Midazolam products currently in stock range from Rs 285 to Rs 2,201 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Dormicum 7.5mg Tablet at Rs 285. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Midazolam are available in Pakistan?

Midazolam is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Dormicum (Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Idzo (Sami Pharma Ltd) and Hypozam (Brookes Pharmaceutical Labs (Pak) Ltd).

Do I need a prescription for Midazolam?

Yes. Midazolam is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Midazolam be used during pregnancy?

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Are all Midazolam brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Midazolam in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Midazolam brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 3 products containing Midazolam from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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