Midazolam (By Mouth)

Midazolam (MID-ay-soe-lam)

Given before surgery or medical procedures to help you become relaxed or sleepy. This drug is a benzodiazepine.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to midazolam or to cherries. You should not use this medicine if you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

• You will receive this medicine only in a hospital, clinic, or dentist's office. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, or sedatives).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using midazolam, and for at least 24 hours after you stop using the medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using erythromycin (Erythro-Tab®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), heart or blood pressure medicine (such as verapamil, Adalat®, Calan®, Cardizem®, Lotrel®, Plendil®, Procardia®, Tiazac®), or medicines to treat HIV/AIDS (Agenerase®, Crixivan®, Fortovase®, Invirase®, Norvir®, Sustiva®, Viracept®).
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, breathing problems, liver disease, or glaucoma.
• This medicine may cause you to forget things for a few hours. This is normal.
• This medicine will make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Coughing, shortness of breath, or shallow breathing
• Uncontrollable muscle movements or twitching

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Changes in mood or behavior
• Forgetfulness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Restlessness, trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.