The effects of flumazenil on sedation and disturbance of equilibrium function by midazolam: Part 2

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects and side effects of flumazenil on midazolam. Eight healthy adult volunteers received midazolam 0.075 mg/kg and, five minutes later, flumazenil 0.5 mg intravenously. The degree of sedation was assessed at 0 and 5 minutes after administration of midazolam, and at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135, and 150 minutes after administration of flumazenil. The qualitative equilibrium function tests, Mann's test and the one leg test were used. As the quantitative equilibrium function test, the length per second and the area of body sway were measured. These tests were done before midazolam and at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 minutes after flumazenil. All tests were performed with eyes both open and closed. Flumazenil 0.5 mg/kg could not fully antagonize the sedation caused by midazolam in two cases. Sixty minutes after administration of flumazenil, four cases were sedated. No case experienced deep resedation after flumazenil. Disturbance of equilibrium function appeared strongly for thirty minutes after administration of flumazenil, so even awakened cases must continue to be observed. When flumazenil is administered to counteract a deep level of sedation by midazolam, patients must be observed for at least sixty minutes after administration of flumazenil.