Clonidine Versus Midazolam for Premedication

Effects of Clonidine and Midazolam Premedication on Bispectral Index and Recovery After Elective Surgery

alpha2-agonists like clonidine offer several useful effects that make these drugs an interesting alternative to benzodiazepines for pharmacological premedication. We therefore sought to determine the effect of pre-anesthetic medication with clonidine vs. midazolam in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Effects of pre-anesthetic medication were assessed on (1) bispectral index (BIS),(2) sedation score and visual analog scales for anxiety and pain, (3) neuropsychologic tests to assess cognitive function and (4) circulating stress hormones.

Inclusion Criteria:

• elective surgery
• ASA physical status I and II
• informed consent
• weight 50 - 100 kg

Exclusion Criteria:

• cardiovascular disease
• pregnancy
• problems of consent due to mentally handicap or language.