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Midazolam Syrup

Midazolam is a medication that a healthcare provider will give you in a hospital or clinic setting. It helps you relax and sleep before a surgical procedure. It can also block your memory of the procedure. The brand name of midazolam is Versed®.

What is this medication?

MIDAZOLAM (MID ay zoe lam) is used to treat anxiety and cause drowsiness before a procedure. It works by helping your nervous system calm down. It belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Versed, Versed Syrup

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Glaucoma
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma
  • Mental health condition
  • Seizures or a history of seizures
  • Substance use disorder
  • Suicidal thoughts, plan, or attempt by you or a family member
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to midazolam, other benzodiazepines, cherries, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic setting. It is not prescribed for use at home.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Boceprevir
  • Certain antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
  • Certain medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole
  • Grapefruit juice
  • Idelalisib
  • Opioid medications for cough
  • Sodium oxybate
  • Telaprevir

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This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Alcohol
  • Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
  • Calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem and verapamil
  • Certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifampin
  • Certain antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
  • Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
  • Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
  • Certain medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole
  • Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone
  • Cimetidine
  • General anesthetics, such as lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
  • Medications that relax muscles for surgery
  • Opioid medications for pain
  • Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

If you are taking another medication that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. Do not take more medication than directed. Get emergency help right away if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.

If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior, such as new or worsening depression, thoughts of harming yourself, anxiety, other unusual or disturbing thoughts, or memory loss, call your care team right away.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects. Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
  • Tremors or shaking

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

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  • Agitation, feeling irritable or restless
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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