Abstract
Introduction and aim: Midazolam is a short-acting, effective sedative with a rapid onset and minimal side effects, belonging to the benzodiazepine group. The work deals with the use of the midazolam in the dental treatment of children, the history of which dates back to the 1990s.
The reason for its popularity in treating children is mainly its sedative and amnestic effects which help both children to cope with the treatment and doctors to cope with the emotional burden, that treating children undoubtedly is. Furthermore, it has a short half-life time and the oral route of administration is preferred by children.
The authors describe the physical properties, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and the most common side and adverse effects of midazolam. The authors perceive the inconsistency of the professional public in the view, procedure, dosage, and the extent of treatment in sedation while aware of the application of midazolam in children.
The aim of the work is to revise the current indications and contraindications for the treatment of paediatric patients in conscious sedation with midazolam, with the help of the available literature, with regard to the age of the child, the extent and nature of the performed procedure. Also, to discuss the methods of administration and safe course of midazolam in outpatient practice.
Methods: The literature search and survey was focused on the keywords "midazolam", "dental treatment", "children", and "conscious sedation". The PubMed database was used to find it.
Furthermore, we drew information from the specialized books dealing with the given topic. The available literature was subsequently critically evaluated for the needs of this review.
Conclusion: Treatment of children is often complicated by the fear of dental treatment. The appropriate method of midazolam administration in the suitable background offers a safe, fast, affordable, and effective treatment option of conscious sedation with minimum side effects.
When properly indicated, it can be of a great help in gaining the children's cooperation.