Evaluation of the sedative and anxiolytic effects of Midazolam and Clonidine as oral premedicant in paediatric patients undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia

Background: The preoperative period is stressful in the paediatric patients; oral premedications make the experience of anaesthesia and surgery more pleasant and less traumatic. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effects of midazolam and clonidine as oral premedicant for sedation, ease of parental separation, facemask acceptance at the time of induction of anesthesia, hemodynamic stability, postoperative recovery and complications. Materials and methods: Total fifty children of either gender belonging to ASA grade I and II between 2-8 years age scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly and equally divided in two groups, 25 patients in each. Group M received oral midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) and group C, oral clonidine (4 ?g/kg) 90 minutes before induction of anesthesia. Drug acceptability score, sedation score and parental separation score at 60 minutes and 90 minutes after the test drug administration and facemask acceptance at the time of induction were recorded. Hemodynamic stability and postoperative recovery were also observed. Results: At 60 minutes after the test drug administration, the level of sedation and parental separation score were better in midazolam group while at 90 minutes, better in clonidine. Drug acceptability and quality of induction score, hemodynamic stability and postoperative recovery was better in clonidine group. Conclusion: We concluded that if we have proper time before induction, then oral clonidine is better sedative and anxiolytic drug, if not then oral midazolam is better sedative and anxiolytic drug in pediatric patients.