MIDAZOLAM
Alphapharm
Midazolam
PRODUCT INFORMATION
NAME OF THE MEDICINE
Active ingredient:
Midazolam
Chemical name:
8-chloro-6- (2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-imidazo [1,5-a][1,4] benzodiazepine
Structural formula:
Molecular formula:
C
18
H
13
ClFN
3
Molecular weight:
325.8
CAS Registry no.:
59467-70-8
DESCRIPTION
MIDAZOLAM Alphapharm midazolam solution for injection is available as a 5 mg/ 5 mL, 5 mg/ 1 mL, 15
mg/ 3 mL and 50 mg/ 10 mL solution. It also contains the excipients sodium chloride (isotonic agent),
hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment) and water for injections.
MIDAZOLAM Alphapharm solution for injection is a clear, colourless solution. The free base of the active
substance of MIDAZOLAM Alphapharm is a lipophilic substance with low solubility in water. The basic
nitrogen in position 2 of the imidazobenzodiazepine ring enables the active substance, midazolam to form
water-soluble salts with acids. These produce a stable injection solution.
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
2
PHARMACOLOGY
MIDAZOLAM Alphapharm belongs to the Benzodiazepine class of drugs.
Midazolam acts as a central nervous system depressant that induces sedation, hypnosis, anaesthesia and
amnesia. Like all benzodiazepines, midazolam also induces muscle relaxation. Pharmacokinetic and
pharmacodynamic data in chronic intravenous usage are not available beyond 15 days.
Pharmacodynamics
The mode of action of the benzodiazepines is under constant investigation. Benzodiazepines appear to
increase the physiological inhibitory mechanisms mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is
the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
The effects of midazolam on the CNS are dependent on the dose administered, the route of administration
and the presence or absence of other premedications. After intramuscular administration, the onset time of
sedative effects is 15 minutes. Peak sedation occurs 30 to 60 minutes following administration.
When used intravenously (as a sedative for endoscopic or other short therapeutic or diagnostic procedures),
the end point of slurred speech is reached within 2.8 to 4.8 minutes. This end point is dependent on the total
dose administered and whether or not it is preceded by opioid premedication.
The time to induction of
anaesthesia for surgical procedures is variable, occurring in approximately 1.5 minutes (0.3 - 8 minutes)
subsequent to the administration of an opioid premedicant and in 2 to 2.5 minutes without premedication or
with a sedative premedication.
Approximately two hours are required for full recovery from midazolam-induced anaesthesia. Duration of
effect is dependent on the dose and the other drugs used. Induction of anaesthesia after administration of
midazolam alone is ineffective in approximately 14% of patients, however, when given with an opioid it is
ineffective in about 1% of patients.
At doses sufficient to induce sedation, intravenous midazolam decreases the sensitivity of the ventilatory
response to elevated CO
2
tension in normal subjects and in those with chronic obstructive lung disease, who
are at special risk of hypoxia. Sedation with midazolam has no adverse effects on pulmonary compliance and
does not cause bronchoconstriction or significantly affect functional residual capacity or residual volume.
Midazolam may cause a modest decrease in mean arterial pressure. Baroreceptor response is not affected and
decreases in arterial pressure are accompanied by increases in heart rate. Intravenous midazolam at doses of
0.15 to 0.2 mg/kg did not have a harmful effect on cardiac haemodynamics.
Unless the patient is intubated, intravenous administration of midazolam does not alter intracranial pressure.
As with thiopentone, the intracranial pressure rises during intubation. Cerebral blood flow may be reduced
by up to 35%, which is of the same order as caused by equivalent doses of diazepam. The effect on cerebral
metabolism is not clearly established.
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
3
Midazolam reduces the intraocular pressure to the same degree as thiopentone and diazepam. However, the
increase in intraocular pressure after succinylcholine administration or endotracheal intubation is not
prevented by midazolam, thiopentone or diazepam.
Pharmacokinetics
Distribution
The pharmacokinetic profile of midazolam in man is linear over the 0.05 to 0.4 mg/kg dose range. The
volume of distribution of midazolam at steady state is 0.6 – 1.9L/kg.
Midazolam is 97% plasma protein bound. The extent of protein binding does not vary in renal failure.
Bioavailability
Absorption of midazolam from the muscle tissue is rapid and virtually complete.
Following intramuscular administration, the mean absolute bioavailability of midazolam is greater than 90%.
Following intramuscular dosing, the mean time of maximum midazolam plasma concentrations occurs
within 45 minutes post-administration. Peak concentrations of midazolam as well as 1-hydroxymethyl
midazolam after intramuscular administration are about one-half of those achieved after equivalent
intravenous doses.
Metabolism
Less than 0.03% is excreted in the urine unchanged. The drug is rapidly metabolised to the active metabolite,
1-hydroxymethyl midazolam, which is conjugated with subsequent excretion in the urine. The elimination
half-life of the active metabolite is similar to that of parent drug. The concentration of midazolam is 10 to 30
times greater than that of 1-hydroxymethyl midazolam.
Elimination
In normal subjects the mean elimination half-life of midazolam is between 1.4 – 2.4 h and the clearance is in
the range of 220 – 470 mL/min. Midazolam is mainly excreted by renal route: 60 – 80% of the administered
dose of midazolam is excreted in urine as glucoconjugate
d α–hydroxymidazolam. The elimination half-life
of this metabolite is < 1 h.
Compounds that inhibit or induce cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A) may alter patients’ elimination of
midazolam, and the dose may need to be adjusted accordingly (see PRECAUTIONS - Interactions with
Other Medicines).
Pharmacokinetics in Special Populations
Elderly: In adults over 60 years of age, the elimination half-life of midazolam may be prolonged up to four
times.
Renal impairment: The free fraction of midazolam in chronic renal failure may be significantly higher than
normal. After correcting for protein binding the pharmacokinetics of unbound midazolam is similar to that
reported in healthy volunteers.
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
4
Critically ill: Midazolam elimination half-life is prolonged in critically ill patients.
Cardiac insufficiency: Midazolam elimination half-life is prolonged in patients with congestive heart failure.
Obese: The elimination half-life of midazolam is prolonged in obese patients. The clearance is not altered.
In patient populations with prolonged elimination half-life, midazolam infusion at an unchanged rate resulted
in higher plasma levels at steady state. Consequently, the infusion rate should be reduced once a satisfactory
clinical response has been obtained.
INDICATIONS
Intravenously as an agent for:
•
conscious sedation prior to short surgical, diagnostic, therapeutic or endoscopic procedures such as
bronchoscopy, gastroscopy, cystoscopy, coronary angiography and cardiac catheterisation, either
alone or in conjunction with an opioid
•
induction of anaesthesia preliminary to administration of other anaesthetic agents. With the use of an
opioid premedicant, induction of anaesthesia can be obtained with a narrower dose range and in a
shorter period of time.
Intermittent intravenous administration or continuous infusion for:
•
sedation in intensive care units
Intramuscularly for:
•
preoperative sedation (induction of sleepiness or drowsiness and relief of apprehension) and to
impair memory of perioperative events
CONTRAINDICATIONS
•
Patients with a hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines
•
Patients in shock, coma or in acute alcoholic intoxication with depression of vital signs
•
Patients with acute narrow angle glaucoma. Benzodiazepines may be used in patients with open
angle glaucoma only if they are receiving appropriate therapy. Measurements of intraocular pressure
in patients without eye disease show a moderate lowering following induction with midazolam.
Patients with glaucoma have not been studied.
•
Myasthenia gravis
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
5
PRECAUTIONS
Midazolam must never be used without individualisation of dosage. Midazolam should not be
administered by rapid or single bolus intravenous administration (see Dosage and Administration).
Intravenous midazolam should only be used in settings with equipment and skilled personnel for
continuous monitoring of cardio-respiratory function and resuscitation procedures. Patients should be
continuously monitored for early signs of under-ventilation or apnoea. Vital signs should continue to
be monitored during the recovery period. During intravenous application of midazolam, respiratory
depression, apnoea, respiratory arrest and/or cardiac arrest have occurred. In some cases where this
was not recognised promptly and treated, hypoxic encephalopathy or death has resulted. These life-
threatening incidents may occur, especially if the injection is given too rapidly or with excessive doses.
Particular care must be used in administering the drug, by the intravenous route, to the elderly, to
very ill patients, high risk surgical patients and to those with significant hepatic impairment, chronic
renal insufficiency, congestive heart failure, or with limited pulmonary reserve because of the
possibility that apnoea or respiratory depression may occur. These patients require lower doses
whether premedicated or not.
Preoperative sedation: Adequate observation of the patient after preoperative sedation of midazlam is
mandatory as individual sensitivity varies and symptoms of overdose may occur.
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are unusually sensitive to the respiratory depressant
effect of midazolam. Elderly patients frequently have inefficient function of one or more organ systems and
dosage requirements have shown to be reduced with age. Patients with chronic renal failure and patients with
congestive heart failure eliminate midazolam more slowly.
In some intensive care patients, and in some elderly patients given midazolam by intravenous infusion for
prolonged sedation, the elimination half-life was found to increase by up to four times (see
PHARMACOLOGY – Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacokinetics in Special Populations).
Particular care should be exercised in the use of intravenous midazolam in patients with uncompensated
acute illnesses, such as severe fluid or electrolyte disturbances.
There have been rare reports of hypotensive episodes requiring treatment during or after diagnostic or
surgical manipulations in patients who have received midazolam. In conscious sedation studies, hypotension
occurred more frequently in patients premedicated with a narcotic.
After prolonged intravenous administration of midazolam, abrupt discontinuation of the product may be
accompanied by withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, a gradual reduction of midazolam is recommended.
Reactions such as agitation, involuntary movements (including tonic/clonic movements and muscle tremor),
hyperactivity and combativeness have been reported. These reactions may be due to inadequate or excessive
dosing or improper administration of midazolam; however, consideration should be given to the possibility
of cerebral hypoxia or true paradoxical reactions. If midazolam is the suspected cause, the use of the drug
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
6
should be discontinued and all other drugs, including local anaesthetics, should be evaluated before
proceeding.
Concomitant use of barbiturates, alcohol or other central nervous system depressants increases the risk of
under-ventilation or apnoea and/or cardio-ventricular depression and may contribute to a profound and/or
prolonged drug effect. When midazolam is used with a narcotic analgesic, the dosage of both agents should
be reduced. Narcotic premedication also reduces the ventilatory response to carbon dioxide stimulation.
The hazards of intra-arterial injection of midazolam solutions into humans are unknown; therefore,
precautions against unintended intra-arterial injection should be taken. Extravasation should also be avoided.
After parenteral administration of midazolam, patients should not be discharged from hospital for at least 3
hours, and responsibility for medical supervision of discharge shall lie with a physician (preferably the
treating physician) and then, if possible, only if accompanied by a responsible person. The decision as to
when patients may again engage in activities requiring complete mental alertness, operate hazardous
machinery or drive a motor vehicle must be individualised. Gross tests of recovery from the effects of
midazolam cannot be relied upon to predict reaction time under stress. When midazolam is used with other
drugs during anaesthesia, the contribution of these can vary and should also be considered.
Midazolam does not protect against the increase in intracranial pressure or against the heart rate rise and/or
blood pressure rise associated with endotracheal intubation under light general anaesthesia.
Since an increase in cough reflex and laryngospasm may occur with per oral endoscopic procedures, the use
of a topical anaesthetic agent and the availability of necessary counter measures are recommended. The use
of a narcotic premedicant is recommended for bronchoscopies. Administration of a muscle relaxant may
sometimes be necessary to overcome midazolam-associated hiccoughs.
As with other benzodiazepines, midazolam may have the potential to cause dependence. Benzodiazepines
should be avoided in patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. The risk of dependence increases with
the duration of treatment; it is also greater in patients with a medical history of alcohol and/or drug abuse.
Effects on Fertility
The effects of midazolam on fertility have not been established.
Use in Pregnancy: Category C
Benzodiazepines should be avoided during pregnancy unless there is no safer alternative. Midazolam crosses
the placenta and the administration of midazolam in the last weeks of pregnancy or at high doses during
labour have resulted in neonatal CNS depression and can be expected to cause irregularities in the foetal
heart rate, hypothermia, hypotonia, poor sucking and moderate respiratory depression due to the
pharmacological action of the product. Moreover, infants born to mothers who received benzodiazepines
chronically during the latter stage of pregnancy may have developed physical dependence, and may be at
some risk of developing withdrawal symptoms in the postnatal period. Midazolam is therefore not
recommended for obstetric use.
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
7
Teratological studies with midazolam in a number of animal species have not shown association between
administration of the drug and disturbances of foetal development, nor has clinical experience so far yielded
any evidence of such an association. Midazolam should not be used in the first three months of pregnancy.
Australian Categorisation Definition of Category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects,
have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing
malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.
Use in Lactation
There is evidence that midazolam is excreted in breast milk and its effects on the new born are not known.
Therefore midazolam is not recommended or use in nursing mothers.
Paediatric use
The safety and effectiveness of midazolam in children under the age of 8 have not been established.
Pharmacokinetics in children have not been established and may differ from adults.
Use in the elderly
The risk for falls and fractures is increased in elderly benzodiazepine users.
Driving, operating machinery and other activities requiring mental alertness
Following administration of midazolam, patients should not be discharged from hospital for at least three
hours and then, if possible, only if accompanied by a responsible person. The decision as to when patients
may again engage in activities requiring complete mental alertness, operate hazardous machinery or drive a
motor vehicle will depend on the individual. Gross tests of recovery from the effects of midazolam cannot be
relied upon to predict reaction time under stress. When midazolam is used with other drugs during
anaesthesia, the role of these can vary and should be considered accordingly. Patients should be warned to
take extra care as a pedestrian and not to drive a vehicle or operate machinery until effects such as
drowsiness, have subsided or until the day after anaesthesia and surgery, whichever is longer. The physician
should decide when activities such as driving a vehicle or operating a machine may be resumed. The
patient’s attendants should be made aware that anterograde amnesia may continue longer than the sedation
and therefore patients may not carry out instructions even though they appear to acknowledge them.
Carcinogenicity
Midazolam maleate was administered with diet in mice and rats for two years at dosages of 1, 9 and
80mg/kg/day. In female mice in the highest dose group there was a distinct increase in the incidence of
hepatic tumours. In high dose male rats there was a small but statistically significant increase in benign
thyroid follicular cell tumours. Dosages of 9 mg/kg/day of midazolam maleate do not increase the incidence
of tumours. The pathogenesis of induction of these tumours is unknown. These tumours were found after
chronic administration, whereas human use will ordinarily be of single dose or of short duration.
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
8
Mutagenicity
Midazolam did not have mutagenic activity in five bacterial strains Salmonella typhimurium, Chinese
hamster lung cells (V79), human lymphocytes, or in the micronucleus test in mice.
Genotoxicity
The effects of midazolam on genotoxicity have not been established.
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICINES
Specific Interaction Studies
Midazolam can increase the central sedative effect of neuroleptics, tranquillisers, antidepressants, sleep-
inducing drugs, analgesics, anaesthetics, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, antiepileptic drugs and sedative
antihistamines. This potentiation of effect can in certain cases be therapeutically advantageous.
There is potentially relevant interaction between midazolam and compounds which inhibit or induce certain
hepatic enzymes (particularly cytochrome P450 IIIA). Data clearly indicate that these compounds influence
the pharmacokinetics of midazolam and this may lead to altered degree and/or duration of sedation. At
present, enzyme induction is known to occur in vivo with rifampicin, carbamazepine and phenytoin, and
enzyme inhibition occurs with cimetidine, erythromycin, diltiazem, verapamil, ketoconazole, fluconazole,
itraconazole, ritonavir and saquinavir. During long-term midazolam infusions, a reduction of up to 50% of
the initial dose followed by careful titration is recommended. Studies have shown that ranitidine has no
influence on the pharmacokinetics of parenterally given midazolam.
In some patients the mutual increase of alcohol and midazolam can produce unforeseeable reactions (no
alcoholic beverages for at least 12 hours after parenteral administration).
The sedative effect of intravenous midazolam is accentuated by premedication. Consequently, the dosage of
midazolam should be adjusted according to the type and amount of premedication administered.
Following oral administration, the plasma concentration of midazolam has been shown to increase when
used in combination with erythromycin and this results in an increase of midazolam’s sedative effect. A
much smaller change in plasma concentration with no observed increase of the sedative effects was observed
following intravenous administration of midazolam, moreover, caution is advised.
A moderate reduction in induction dosage requirements of thiopentone (about 15%) has been noted
following use of intramuscular midazolam for premedication.
Simultaneous administration of cimetidine (but not ranitidine) has been reported to reduce clearance of
midazolam.
Displacement of midazolam from its plasma protein binding sites by sodium valproate may increase the
response to midazolam and, therefore, care should be taken to adjust the midazolam dosage in patients with
epilepsy.
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
9
The intravenous administration of midazolam decreases the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of
halothane required for general anaesthesia. This decrease correlates with the dose of midazolam
administered.
The effects of midazolam can be reversed by the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil.
Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interaction (DDI)
Midazolam is almost exclusively metabolized by CYP3A. Inhibitors and inducers of CYP3A have the
potential to increase and decrease the plasma concentrations and, subsequently, the pharmacodynamic effects
of midazolam. No mechanism other than modulation of CYP3A activity has been proven as a source for a
clinically relevant pharmacokinetic DDI with midazolam. However, acute protein displacement from
albumin is a theoretical possibility of drug interaction with drugs that have high therapeutic serum
concentrations, as has been hypothesized for valproic acid (see below). Midazolam is not known to change
the pharmacokinetics of other drugs.
It is recommended to carefully monitor the clinical effects and vital signs during the use of midazolam;
taking into account that the clinical effects of midazolam might be stronger and also last longer after co-
administration of a CYP3A-inhibiting drug. Depending on the magnitude of the CYP3A-inhibiting effect, the
dose of midazolam may be largely reduced. Conversely, administration of a CYP3A-inducing drug may
require a higher dose of midazolam to achieve the desired effect.
In case of CYP3A induction and irreversible inhibition (so-called mechanism based inhibition), the effect on
the pharmacokinetics of midazolam may persist for a period of several days up to few weeks after
administration of the CYP3A inhibitor. Examples for mechanism based CYP3A inhibitors include
antibacterials (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin, isoniazid); anti-HIV agents (e.g. HIV protease inhibitors,
delavirdine); antihypertensives (e.g. verapamil, diltiazem); sex steroids and their receptor modulators (e.g.
gestodene, raloxifene), and several herbal constituents (e.g. bergamottin (grapefruit)). In contrast to the other
mechanism based inhibitors (see listing below), ethinyloestradiol/norgestrel (used for oral contraception) and
grapefruit juice (200 mL) did not significantly change the Area Under the plasma concentration / time Curve
(AUC
0 -
∞
) of (or exposure to) IV midazolam. The range of the inhibiting/inducing potency of drugs is wide.
The antifungal ketoconazole, a very potent CYP3A inhibitor, increased the plasma concentration of
intravenous midazolam by approximately 5-fold. The tuberculostatic drug, rifampicin, belongs to the
strongest inducers of CYP3A and its co-administration resulted in a decrease in the AUC
0 -
∞
of intravenous
midazolam by approximately 60%.
The mode of midazolam use also determines the magnitude of change in its pharmacokinetics due to CYP3A
modulation:
(i)
The change in plasma concentration is expected to be less for intravenous administration
compared with oral administration of midazolam. This is because CYP3A modulation not only
affects the systemic clearance, but also the bioavailability of oral midazolam.
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
10
(ii)
There are no studies available that have investigated the effect of CYP3A modulation on the
pharmacokinetics of midazolam after intramuscular administration. After intramuscular
administration, the drug directly enters the systemic circulation. Therefore, it is expected that the
effect of CYP3A modulation will be similar to that for intravenous administration of midazolam.
(iii)
In line with pharmacokinetic principles, clinical studies have shown that after a single
intravenous dose of midazolam, in the presence of CYP3A inhibition, the change in maximal
clinical effect due to CYP3A modulation will be minor, whereas the duration of effect may be
prolonged. However, after prolonged dosing of midazolam, both the magnitude and duration of
effect may be increased.
The following listing gives examples of clinical pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions with midazolam
after intravenous administration. Importantly, any drug shown to possess CYP3A-modulating effects, either
in vitro or in vivo, has the potential to change the plasma concentration of midazolam, and therefore its
effects. The listing includes information from clinical drug-drug interaction studies for oral midazolam. As
outlined above, the change in plasma concentration is expected to be less for intravenous compared with oral
midazolam.
Drugs that inhibit CYP3A
Patients receiving compounds which inhibit CYP3A should not be administered midazolam whenever
possible. Otherwise, the dose of midazolam should be adjusted and the patient kept under careful
surveillance.
Azole antifungals
•
Ketoconazole: Increased the AUC
0 -
∞
of intravenous midazolam 5-fold while the terminal half-life
increased by approximately 4-fold.
•
Fluconazole and itraconazole: Both increased the AUC
0 -
∞
of intravenous midazolam, which was
associated with a 2.4-fold and 1.5-fold increase in terminal half-life for itraconazole and fluconazole,
respectively. A 100 – 300% increase in plasma midazolam at 48 hours after receiving fluconazole
was commonly (3/10) seen in intensive care unit patients with a midazolam infusion. Orally,
fluconazole increased C
max
1.7-fold and AUC
0 -
∞
3.6-fold, while for itraconazole they increased 2.5-
and 6.6-fold, respectively.
•
Posaconazole: Increased the AUC
(tf)
(AUC zero to last measurable concentration) of intravenous
midazolam by 1.8-fold.
Macrolide antibiotics
•
Erythromycin: Resulted in an increase in the AUC
(tf)
of intravenous midazolam and was associated
with a 1.4 – 1.8-fold increase in the terminal half-life of midazolam.
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
11
•
Clarithromycin: Increased the AUC of intravenous midazolam by approximately 2.5-fold and was
associated with a 2.7-fold increase in terminal half-life.
HIV protease inhibitors
•
Saquinavir and other HIV protease inhibitors: If parenteral midazolam is co-administered with HIV
protease inhibitors, treatment setting should follow the description in the section above for
ketoconazole within azole antifungals.
Histamine receptor 2 antagonists
•
Cimetidine increased the steady state plasma concentration of midazolam by 26%.
Calcium-channel blockers
•
Diltiazem: After pretreatment with lorazepam and a single dose of diltiazem, on cessation of an
intravenous infusion of midazolam, the AUC from cessation for 23 h increased approximately 25%
and the terminal half-life was prolonged approximately 43%.
Various drugs/Herbs
•
Atorvastatin: Increased the AUC of intravenous midazolam by approximately 1.4-fold compared
with control group.
Drugs that induce CYP3A
•
Rifampicin (600 mg o.d.) decreased the AUC of intravenous midazolam by approximately 60% after
7 days. The terminal half-life decreased by approximately 50 - 60%.
Herbs and food
•
Echinacea purpurea root extract: Decreased the AUC of intravenous midazolam 20% and was
associated with a decrease in half-life approximately 42%.
•
St John’s wort: Decreased the AUC of intravenous midazolam by approximately 20% and AUC of
oral midazolam by 50% with C
max
decreased by 40 – 50%. It was associated with a decrease in
terminal half-life by approximately 16 - 19%.
Acute protein displacement
•
Valproic acid: In one publication, protein displacement of midazolam by valproic acid was discussed
as a potential mechanism of DDI. The clinical relevance of this study is considered very limited
because of methodological concerns. However, due to the high therapeutic plasma concentration of
valproic acid, the protein displacement of midazolam in the acute dose setting, resulting in more
apparent clinical effect of midazolam, cannot be excluded.
Pharmacodynamic Drug-Drug Interactions (DDI)
The co-administration of midazolam with other sedative/hypnotic agents, including alcohol, is likely to result
in increased sedative/hypnotic effects. Examples include opiates/opioids (when they are used as analgesics,
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
12
antitussives or substitutive treatments), antipsychotics, other benzodiazepines (used as anxiolytics or
hypnotics), barbiturates, propofol, ketamine, etomidate, sedative antidepressants, antihistaminics and
centrally acting antihypertensive drugs. Midazolam decreased the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC)
of Halothane.
Enhanced effects on sedation, respiration and haemodynamics may occur when midazolam is co-
administered with any centrally acting depressants including alcohol. Therefore, adequate monitoring of vital
signs should be established. Alcohol should be avoided in patients receiving midazolam (see
PRECAUTIONS and OVERDOSAGE for warning of other CNS depressants, including alcohol).
It has been shown that high spinal anaesthesia can increase the sedative effect of intravenous midazolam.
The midazolam dose may therefore be reduced. Also, when either lignocaine or bupivacaine were
administered intramuscularly, the dose of intravenous midazolam required for sedation was reduced.
Drugs increasing alertness/memory such as the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine, reversed
the hypnotic effects of midazolam. Similarly, 250 mg of caffeine partly reversed the sedative effects of
midazolam.
Effects on Laboratory Tests
Midazolam has not been shown to interfere with results obtained in clinical laboratory tests.
ADVERSE EFFECTS
(see PRECAUTIONS)
Fluctuations in vital signs that have been observed following parenteral administration of midazolam
include:
•
respiratory depression (22.9% following intravenous administration and 10.8% of patients following
intramuscular administration)
•
apnoea (19% following intravenous administration)
•
variations in blood pressure and pulse rate.
These common occurrences during anaesthesia and surgery are affected by the lightening or deepening of
anaesthesia, instrumentation, intubation and use of concomitant drugs.
Administration of intramuscular midazolam to elderly and/or higher risk surgical patients has been
associated with rare reports of death under circumstances compatible with cardiorespiratory depression. In
most of these cases, the patients also received other central nervous system depressants capable of depressing
respiration, especially opioid analgesics (see also DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
The following additional adverse reactions were reported after intramuscular administration:
•
local effects at intramuscular injection site: pain (3.7%), induration (0.5%), redness (0.5%), muscle
stiffness (0.3%)
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
13
•
headache (1.3%)
Post-Marketing Experience
The following additional adverse reactions were reported following intravenous administration:
Immune System Disorders: Generalised hypersensitivity reactions (skin reactions, cardiovascular reactions,
bronchospasm), anaphylactic shock.
Psychiatric Disorders: Confusional state, euphoric mood, hallucinations, dysphoria.
Paradoxical reactions such as agitation, involuntary movements (including tonic/clonic movements and
muscle tremor), hyperactivity, hostility, rage reaction, aggressiveness, argumentativeness, nervousness,
anxiety, irritability, tension, mood changes, restlessness, paroxysmal excitement and assault, have been
reported, particularly among children and the elderly.
Dependence: Use of midazolam, even in therapeutic doses, may lead to the development of physical
dependence. After prolonged intravenous administration, discontinuation, especially abrupt discontinuation
of the product, may be accompanied by withdrawal symptoms including withdrawal convulsions.
Nervous System Disorder: Prolonged sedation, decreased alertness, headache, dizziness, ataxia, dreaming
during sleep, sleep disturbance, insomnia, athetoid movements, slurred speech, dysphonia, parasthesia,
postoperative sedation, anterograde amnesia, the duration of which is directly related to the administered
dose. Anterograde amnesia may still be present at the end of the procedure and in isolated cases prolonged
amnesia has been reported.
Convulsions have been reported in premature infants and neonates.
Cardiac Disorders: Severe cardio-respiratory adverse effects have occurred on rare occasions. These have
included cardiac arrest, hypotension, bradycardia, vasodilating effects, bigeminy, premature ventricular
contractions, tachycardia, nodal rhythm, cardiovascular collapse, and vasovagal episode. Life-threatening
incidents are more likely to occur in adults over 60 years of age and those with pre-existing respiratory
insufficiency or impaired cardiac function, particularly when the injection is given too rapidly or when a high
dosage is administered (see PRECAUTIONS).
Respiratory Disorders: Severe cardio-respiratory adverse effects have occurred on rare occasions. These
have included respiratory depression, apnoea, respiratory arrest, dyspnoea, laryngospasm,
hyperventilation,
wheezing, shallow respirations, airway obstruction, tachyponea. Life-threatening incidents are more likely to
occur in adults over 60 years of age and those with pre-existing respiratory insufficiency or impaired cardiac
function, particularly when the injection is given too rapidly or when a high dosage is administered (see
PRECAUTIONS). Coughing, hiccoughs.
Gastrointestinal System Disorders: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, acid taste, retching, excessive
salivation.
Skin and Appendages Disorders: Skin rash, urticaria, pruritus.
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
14
General and Application Site Disorders: Erythema and pain on injection site, redness, tenderness, induration,
thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, hives, hive-like elevation at injection site, swelling or feeling of burning,
warmth or coldness at injection site.
Ophthalmic Disorders: Blurred vision, diplopia, nystagmus, pinpoint pupils, cyclic movements of eyelids,
difficulty in focusing.
Miscellaneous: Yawning, lethargy, chills, weakness, continued phonation, ears blocked, loss of balance,
light-headedness, toothache, faint feeling, haematoma.
Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications: An increased risk for falls and fractures has been recorded
in elderly benzodiazepine users.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Dosage should be specific to the patient and the medicine should be administered slowly.
Lower doses may be required in elderly or debilitated patients or in patients with hepatic or renal
insufficiency. Because serious and life-threatening cardiorespiratory adverse events have been reported,
provision for monitoring, detection and correction of these reactions must be made for every patient to whom
midazolam is administered, regardless of health status or age. The dosage of midazolam administered should
be modified according to the type and amount of premedication used.
This product is for single patient use only. Use once and discard any residue. The solution should be visually
inspected prior to use. Only clear solutions without particles should be used.
Intravenous administration:
Midazolam should be administered slowly.
Conscious Sedation
Endoscopic or cardiovascular procedures: For conscious sedation, midazolam can be used either alone or
together with an opioid immediately prior to the procedure with supplemental doses to maintain the desired
level of sedation throughout the procedure.
For peroral procedures, the use of an appropriate topical
anaesthetic is recommended. For bronchoscopic procedures, the use of an opioid premedicant is
recommended. Individual response will vary with age, physical status and concomitant medications, but may
also vary independent of these factors.
Titrate dosage to desired sedative end point, such as slurring of speech, with slow administration
immediately prior to the procedure. The initial dose should be given over a period of at least 2 minutes. Wait
an additional 2 or more minutes to fully evaluate the sedative effect. When titrating the dose, 2 or more
minutes should be allowed after each increment.
In healthy adults the initial dose is approximately 2.5 mg. Some patients may respond to as little as 1 mg.
Further doses of 1 mg may be given if necessary. A total dose greater than 5 mg is not usually necessary to
reach the desired end point.
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
15
In cases of severe illness and in elderly patients the initial dose must be reduced to 1 to 1.5 mg. Total doses
greater than 3.5 mg are usually not required. Special caution is required for the indication of conscious
sedation in patients with impaired respiratory function (see PRECAUTIONS).
If an opioid premedicant or other CNS depressant is used the dose of midazolam should be lowered by 25%
to 30%.
Induction of anaesthesia
The dosage of midazolam should be determined by the response of the individual patient.
Administration should be by slow intravenous injection until the patient loses consciousness using
approximately 0.15-0.2 mg/kg (10-15 mg) administered at a rate of approximately 2.5 mg per 10 seconds.
Maximum sedation is usually reached after 2-3 minutes, however, if required a further dose up to a total of
0.35 mg/kg may be administered. The onset of sedation has not been found to be dose-dependent but the
time to recovery is related to the amount of drug administered.
Midazolam should be used with opioid analgesics as it does not have analgesic properties and opioid
analgesics increases its anaesthetic-inducing properties.
Intravenous sedation in Intensive Care Units (ICU)
For sedation in ICU, the recommended infusion rate is 0.03-0.2 mg/kg/hour. The dosage should be
individualised and midazolam titrated to the desired state of sedation according to the clinical need, physical
status, age and concomitant medication. It may be possible to reduce the dose (infusion rate) once the
therapeutic effect has been obtained.
The dosage should be reduced in vasoconstricted, hypovolemic and hypothermic patients.
After prolonged intravenous administration of midazolam, sudden discontinuation of the product may be
accompanied by withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, a gradual reduction of midazolam is recommended.
Midazolam can be used in neurosurgical patients with increased intracranial pressure.
Intramuscular administration:
For preoperative sedation (induction of sleepiness or drowsiness and relief of apprehension) and to impair
memory of preoperative events.
For intramuscular use, midazolam should be injected deep in a large muscle mass.
The recommended premedication dose of midazolam for good risk adult patients below the age of 60 years is
0.07 to 0.08 mg/kg intramuscularly (approximately 5 mg intramuscularly) administered approximately one
hour prior to surgery.
The dose must be individualised and reduced when intramuscular midazolam is administered to patients with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, other higher risk surgical patients, patients 60 or more years of age,
and patients who have received concomitant opioids or other CNS depressants (see ADVERSE EFFECTS).
In a study of patients 60 years or older who did not receive concomitant administration of opioids, 2 to 3 mg
(0.02 to 0.05 mg/kg) of midazolam produced adequate sedation during the preoperative period. In
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
16
approximately 25% of patients, 1 mg provided satisfactory sedation. As with any potential respiratory
depressant, these patients require special observation for signs of cardio-respiratory depression after
receiving midazolam intramuscularly.
Onset is within 15 minutes, peaking at 30 to 60 minutes. It can be administered concurrently with atropine
sulfate or hyoscine hydrobromide and reduced doses of opioids.
Dilution and admixture
Midazolam may be mixed in the same syringe with frequently used premedicants: morphine sulfate,
pethidine, atropine sulfate or hyoscine. Midazolam is compatible with normal saline, glucose 5% and 10% in
water, fructose intravenous infusion (levulose 5%), potassium chloride, sodium chloride and calcium
chloride intravenous infusion (Ringer’s solution) and compound sodium lactate intravenous infusion
(Hartmann’s solution).
To avoid potential incompatibility with other solutions, midazolam must not be mixed with any solution
except those listed above.
The 15 mg/3 mL, 5 mg/1 mL and 5 mg/5 mL formulations may be diluted to facilitate slow injection.
The 50 mg/10 mL ampoules may be added to the infusion solutions in a mixing ratio of 15 mg midazolam
per 100-1000 mL infusion solution.
To reduce microbiological hazard, it is recommended that the infusion commence as soon as possible after
preparation and in any case within 24 h. Storage of prepared infusion should be at 2
o
C – 8
o
C.
OVERDOSAGE
Symptoms
Overdosage of benzodiazepines is usually manifested by degrees of central nervous system depression
ranging from drowsiness to coma. Overdose of midazolam is seldom life-threatening if the medicine is taken
alone, but in mild cases, may lead to symptoms including drowsiness, mental confusion and lethargy. In
more serious cases, symptoms may include ataxia, areflexia, apnoea, hypotonia, hypotension, respiratory
depression, coma and very rarely death. Coma may be more protracted and cyclical, particularly in elderly
patients. Benzodiazepine respiratory depressant effects are more serious in patients with respiratory disease.
Benzodiazepines increase the effects of other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol. When
combined with other CNS depressants, the effects of overdosage are likely to be severe and may prove fatal.
Treatment
Treatment of overdose is symptomatic; institute supportive measures as indicated by the patient's clinical
state. If the overdosage is known to be small, observation of the patient and monitoring of their vital signs
only may be appropriate. In adults or children who have taken an overdose of benzodiazepines within 1 - 2
hours, consider activated charcoal with airway protection if indicated.
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
17
If CNS depression is severe consider the use of flumazenil (Anexate
®
), a benzodiazepine antagonist. This
should only be administered under closely monitored conditions. It has a short half-life (about an hour),
therefore patients administered flumazenil will require monitoring after its effects have worn off. Flumazenil
may precipitate seizures and is contraindicated in the presence of medicines that reduce seizure threshold
(e.g. tricyclic antidepressants) and epileptic patients who have been treated with benzodiazepines. Refer to
the prescribing information for flumazenil (Anexate
®
), for further information on the correct use of this
medicine.
Haemoperfusion and haemodialysis are not useful in benzodiazepine intoxication.
Contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131126 (Australia) for advice on the management of overdosage.
PRESENTATION AND STORAGE CONDITIONS
Midazolam Injection 5mg in 1mL (sterile) type I glass Ampoule (5 pack*, 10 pack)
Midazolam Injection 5mg in 5mL (sterile) type I glass Ampoule (5 pack*, 10 pack)
Midazolam Injection 15mg in 3mL (sterile) type I glass Ampoule (5 pack)
Midazolam Injection 50mg in 10mL (sterile) type I glass Ampoule (5 pack)
Ready for injection.
Store in the original package below 25°C.
Protect from light. Protect packaging against any physical damage.
* Not marketed in Australia.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE SPONSOR
Alphapharm Pty Limited
Level 1, 30 The Bond
30 – 34 Hickson Road
Millers Point NSW 2000
ABN 93 002 359 739
www.alphapharm.com.au
POISON SCHEDULE OF THE MEDICINE
Schedule 4 (Prescription Only Medicine)
MIDAZOLAM ALPHAPHARM – Product Information
18
DATE OF FIRST INCLUSION IN THE AUSTRALIAN REGISTER OF
THERAPEUTIC GOODS (the ARTG)
01/04/2011
DATE OF MOST RECENT AMENDMENT
05/03/2012
Dostları ilə paylaş: |