midazolam hydrochloride /midaz″əlam/ , a short-acting central nervous system depressant; a benzodiazepine anxiolytic. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed for preoperative sedation and impairment of memory of preoperative events (retrograde amnesia) and for moderate sedation before short diagnostic endoscopic or dental procedures. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It is contraindicated for patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma. It should be used with caution in those with open-angle glaucoma. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Possible adverse effects include decreased tidal volume, decreased respiratory rate, apnea, hypotension, hiccups, nausea, vomiting, oversedation, and tenderness at the site of injection.
