How do you take Midazolam (Midazolam Hydrochloride)?

This medicine is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic — it is not something you take at home by yourself. The dose depends on your weight, age, and what procedure you are having. In Nigeria, it is available as Midashin 5 mg/mL Injection. Always let the medical team handle the dosing.

What are the side effects of Midazolam (Midazolam Hydrochloride)?

Feeling very sleepy or drowsy, headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, temporary confusion or forgetfulness about what happened during the procedure

Who should not take Midazolam (Midazolam Hydrochloride)?

People allergic to midazolam or other benzodiazepines, people with severe breathing problems or lung disease, people with myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness condition), people with severe liver problems, and people who are heavily intoxicated with alcohol.

Prescription

Sedative (Benzodiazepine)

Midazolam

Q: What is Midazolam (Midazolam Hydrochloride) used for?

Sedation before surgery or medical procedures, treatment of seizures (convulsions/fits), anxiety before operations, inducing sleep for general anaesthesia

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Midazolam is a sedative medicine that works by calming the brain and nerves, making you feel relaxed and sleepy — it belongs to the benzodiazepine family of drugs.

What is it used for?

Sedation before surgery or medical procedurestreatment of seizures (convulsions/fits)anxiety before operationsinducing sleep for general anaesthesia

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Anxiety & Sleep Problems

How it works

Binds to benzodiazepine receptors on GABA_A receptors in the central nervous system, enhancing GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission and producing sedation, anxiolysis, and anticonvulsant effects.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

This is a controlled medicine — do not try to buy it from roadside sellers or use it at home without a doctor; misuse can cause death from breathing failure. After receiving midazolam, do not drive, operate machines, or make important decisions for at least 24 hours. Always make sure you have someone to take you home after a procedure involving this drug.

Common Side Effects

Feeling very sleepy or drowsy
headache
dizziness
nausea or vomiting
temporary confusion or forgetfulness about what happened during the procedure

Serious Side Effects

Difficulty breathing or very slow breathing — this is an emergency
severe drop in blood pressure causing fainting or collapse
allergic reaction with swelling of the face
lips
or throat — rush to the hospital immediately.

Drug Interactions

Alcohol makes the sedation much stronger and more dangerous — do not drink alcohol before or after receiving midazolam. It interacts dangerously with opioid painkillers like tramadol, causing severe breathing problems. Some HIV medicines and antifungal drugs like ketoconazole can increase the effect of midazolam dangerously.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Midazolam is not safe during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, and should be avoided during breastfeeding — always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Who Should NOT Take This

People allergic to midazolam or other benzodiazepines
people with severe breathing problems or lung disease
people with myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness condition)
people with severe liver problems
and people who are heavily intoxicated with alcohol.

How to Store

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity — this is especially important in hot Nigerian weather. Keep the injection vials away from children at all times. Do not freeze.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.