Consumer medicine information

Midazolam Apotex

Midazolam

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Midazolam Apotex

Active ingredient

Midazolam

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Midazolam Apotex.

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about midazolam. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist:

  • if there is anything you do not understand in this leaflet,
  • if you are worried about being given this medicine, or
  • to obtain the most up-to-date information.

You can also download the most up to date leaflet from www.apotex.com.au.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using this medicine against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

Pharmaceutical companies cannot give you medical advice or an individual diagnosis.

Keep this leaflet with you. You may want to read it again.

What this medicine is used for

The name of your medicine is MIDAZOLAM APOTEX solution for injection. It contains the active ingredient midazolam.

Midazolam may be injected as a sedative during some short medical procedures.

Midazolam may be given to you by injection before an operation to produce sleepiness or drowsiness and to relieve anxiety.

If you are in an intensive care unit, you may receive an infusion of midazolam over several hours or days as a sedative.

How it works

Midazolam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.

Benzodiazepines are thought to work by their action on brain chemicals.

Midazolam can cause sedation, hypnosis, amnesia and/or anaesthesia, depending on the dose.

Midazolam is only given by a doctor trained to use this medicine. If you will be receiving midazolam during surgery, your doctor will give you the medicine and closely follow your progress.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you. Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine for another reason.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.

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.

Before you are given this medicine

When you must not be given it

You must not be given this medicine if you have an allergy to:

  • midazolam
  • other benzodiazepines
  • any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or other parts of the body
  • rash, itching or hives on the skin
  • fainting
  • hay fever-like symptoms.

Do not take this medicine if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:

  • severe muscle weakness, also known as myasthenia gravis
  • acute narrow angle glaucoma
  • shock, coma or acute alcoholic intoxication

Midazolam should not be given to children under the age of 8 years. The safety or effectiveness of midazolam in children less than eight years of age has not been established.

If you are not sure whether you should be given midazolam, talk to your doctor.

Before you are given it

Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.

Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following conditions:

  • liver, kidney, heart or lung disease
  • high or low blood pressure
  • mental disorders including depression, psychosis or schizophrenia
  • epilepsy (fits or convulsions)
  • history of alcohol or drug abuse

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Midazolam is not recommended for use in pregnant woman, especially in the third (last) trimester or during labour. If there is a need to use midazolam when you are pregnant, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits to you and the unborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Midazolam may pass into the breast milk and cause drowsiness and/or feeding difficulties in the baby. Midazolam is not recommended for use while breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or use illicit (illegal) drugs regularly. Midazolam can cause physical dependency, especially if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, when used long-term. Your dose may be reduced gradually to overcome this effect.

Be careful when drinking alcohol before receiving midazolam. Combining midazolam and alcohol can make you more sleepy, dizzy or lightheaded. Your doctor may suggest that you avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours before you receive midazolam.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you get without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines and midazolam may interfere with each other. These include:

  • other sleeping tablets, sedatives or tranquillisers
  • anaesthetics
  • medicines for depression, such as fluvoxamine
  • medicines to control fits, such as sodium valproate
  • medicines for allergies or colds such as antihistamines
  • pain relievers
  • muscle relaxants
  • cimetidine, a medicine used to treat ulcers
  • disulfiram, a medicine used in alcohol abuse
  • erythromycin, rifampicin and clarithromycin, antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections
  • diltiazem, verapamil and atorvastatin, medicines used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions
  • ketoconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole and itraconazole, medicines used to treat fungal infections
  • certain medicines used to treat HIV, such ritonavir, saquinavir and efavirenz
  • bicalutamide, a medicine used in the treatment of prostate cancer and for excessive hair loss (particularly in women)
  • aprepitant, a medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
  • certain complementary medicines, including echinacea, St John’s Wort and goldenseal

These medicines may be affected by this medicine or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines.

Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking this medicine.

Other medicines not listed above may also interact with midazolam.

How this medicine is given

How much is given

Your doctor will adjust the dose necessary for you. This depends on which medical procedure you will be having, your age, weight and your general health. Elderly patients may need to receive less.

How it is given

Midazolam may be given to you as an injection into a vein or muscle. It may also be given through an infusion set in an intensive care unit. Other medications may also be given at the same time.

How long it is used for

Midazolam may be given once before a medical procedure, or continuously by infusion for patients in an intensive care unit.

Midazolam will be stopped once there is no further need for sedation.

If you have been given too much (overdose)

Immediately tell a doctor or nurse or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else may have been given too much of this medicine. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

If you have received too much midazolam, you may feel drowsy, tired, confused, dizzy, feel weak or become unconscious.

While you are being given this medicine

Things you must do

Tell your doctor that you are about to be given this medicine if:

  • you are about to be started on any new medicine
  • you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
  • you are breastfeeding or are planning to breast feed

Do not take any other medicines (whether they require a prescription or not) without first telling your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you feel midazolam is not helping you.

Things you must not do

Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how midazolam affects you.

Midazolam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, confusion and forgetfulness in some people, and therefore may affect alertness. Make sure you know how you react to midazolam before you drive a car or operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous, if you are drowsy, dizzy or not alert.

Do not have any alcohol for at least 12 hours after you have been given midazolam.

Things to be careful of

Be careful if you are elderly, unwell, drinking alcohol or taking other medicines.

Some people may experience side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, dizziness and unsteadiness, which may increase the risk of a fall.

Possible side effects

Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well when you have been given midazolam.

All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects.

All medical procedures which involve the use of an anaesthetic have risks, which your doctor will discuss with you.

In elderly or high-risk patients, death has resulted rarely due to a slowdown of the heart and lungs.

Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you notice any of the following:

  • drowsiness, tiredness
  • dizziness, unsteadiness
  • loss of memory, inattentiveness, confusion, lack of concentration
  • headache, hangover feeling in the morning
  • slurred speech
  • unpleasant dreams
  • blurred vision
  • pain, redness or hardness at the injection site
  • muscle stiffness or inflammation of the vein
  • coughing, hiccups
  • feeling sick with or without vomiting
  • constipation

The above list includes the more common side effects of your medicine.

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

  • changes in pulse rate and blood pressure
  • sudden anxiety or excitation
  • hallucinations, mood changes or delusions
  • severe sleep disturbances

The above list includes serious side effects that may need medical attention.

Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients.

If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital:

  • cough, shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or other parts of the body
  • rash, itching or hives on the skin
  • fainting

The above list includes signs of an allergic reaction. You may needurgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.

Storage and disposal

Storage

Midazolam will be stored in the pharmacy or on the ward. It is kept in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. It should be protected from light.

Disposal

Midazolam solution for injection is used for one dose in one patient only. Any remaining contents should be discarded.

Product description

What MIDAZOLAM APOTEX solution for injection looks like

Clear colourless to pale yellow solution for injection.

Midazolam ampoules 5 mg/5 mL, 15 mg/3 mL, 50 mg/10 mL, come in a pack size of 5 ampoules.

Midazolam ampoules 5mg/1mL come in a pack size of 10 ampoules.

* Not all strengths, pack types and/or pack sizes may be available.

Ingredients

Each ampoule contains 5mg/5mL and 5mg/1mL of midazolam as the active ingredient.

It also contains the following inactive ingredients:

  • sodium chloride
  • hydrochloric acid
  • sodium hydroxide
  • water for injections

Australian Registration Numbers

Midazolam-APOTEX 1mg/mL solution for injection ampoules:
5 mL AUST R 217663.

Midazolam-APOTEX 5mg/5mL solution for injection ampoules:

1 mL AUST R 217657.

3 mL AUST R 217658.

10 mL AUST R 217659.

Sponsor

Apotex Pty Ltd
16 Giffnock Avenue
Macquarie Park NSW 2113

This leaflet was last updated in: July 2018.

Published by MIMS September 2018

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Midazolam Apotex

Active ingredient

Midazolam

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Midazolam.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Midazolam Solution for Injection is a benzodiazepine from the imidazobenzodiazepine group.
The free base of the active substance of midazolam solution for injection is a lipophilic substance with low solubility in water. The basic nitrogen in position 2 of the imidazobenzodiazepine ring enables the active substance of midazolam Solution for Injection to form water-soluble salts with acids. These produce a stable injection solution.
Chemical Name: 8-chloro-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-imidazo[1,5a] [1,4] benzodiazepine (midazolam). Molecular Formula: C18H13ClFN3. Molecular Weight: 325.78.

Chemical structure.


CAS number.

59467-70-8.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Each ampoule contains 1 mg/mL or 5 mg/mL of midazolam as the active ingredient. In addition, each ampoule contains the following inactive ingredients: sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid (to produce hydrochloride) and sodium hydroxide in water for injection to adjust the pH.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

1 mg/mL Solution for Injection.

Clear colourless to pale yellow solution.
AUST R 217663.

5 mg/mL Solution for Injection.

Clear colourless to pale yellow solution.
AUST R 217657, AUST R 217658, AUST R 217659.
Not all strengths, pack types and/or pack sizes may be available.

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

The mechanism of action of the benzodiazepines is under continuous investigation. Benzodiazepines appear to intensify the physiological inhibitory mechanisms mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
Midazolam is a short-acting central nervous system depressant which induces sedation, hypnosis, amnesia and anaesthesia. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data in chronic intravenous (IV) usage are not available beyond 15 days.

Pharmacodynamics.

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. Onset time of sedative effects after intramuscular (IM) administration is 15 min, with peak sedation occurring 30 - 60 min following injection.
When used IV as a sedative for endoscopic or other short therapeutic or diagnostic procedures, the end point of slurred speech can be attained within 2.8 - 4.8 min, depending on the total dose administered and whether or not preceded by narcotic premedication. The time to induction of anaesthesia for surgical procedures is variable, occurring in approximately 1.5 min (0.3 - 8 min) when an opioid premedicant has been administered and in 2 - 2.5 min without premedication or with a sedative premedication. Approximately 2 h are required for full recovery from midazolam-induced anaesthesia; however duration of effect is dependent on the dose and other drugs used. Induction of anaesthesia is unsuccessful in approximately 14% of patients with midazolam alone but in only about 1% when given with an opioid.
At doses sufficient to induce sedation, IV midazolam decreases the sensitivity of the ventilatory response to elevated carbon dioxide tension in normal subjects and in those with chronic obstructive lung disease, who are at 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.
Although midazolam may cause modest decreases in mean arterial pressure, baroreceptor response is not affected and decreases in arterial pressure are accompanied by increases in heart rate. IV midazolam at doses of 0.15 - 0.2 mg/kg did not have deleterious effects on cardiac haemodynamics.
IV administration of midazolam does not alter intracranial pressure unless the patient is intubated. 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 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.

Clinical trials.

No data available.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Absorption after IM injection.

Absorption of midazolam from the muscle tissue is rapid and virtually complete.
The mean absolute bioavailability of midazolam following IM administration is > 90%. The mean time of maximum midazolam plasma concentrations following IM dosing occurs within 45 min post-administration. Peak concentrations of midazolam as well as 1-hydroxymethyl midazolam after IM administration are about one-half of those achieved after equivalent IV doses.

Absorption after rectal administration.

After rectal administration midazolam is absorbed quickly. Maximum plasma concentration is reached in about 30 min. The absolute bioavailability is about 50% (range 40 - 65%).

Distribution.

The pharmacokinetic profile of midazolam in man is linear over the 0.05 - 0.4 mg/kg dose range. The volume of distribution of midazolam at steady state is 0.6 - 1.9 L/kg.
Midazolam is 97% plasma protein bound.

Metabolism.

Less than 0.03% is excreted in the urine as intact midazolam. The drug is rapidly metabolised to the active metabolite, 1-hydroxymethyl midazolam, which is conjugated with subsequent excretion in the urine. The concentration of midazolam is 10- to 30-fold greater than that of 1-hydroxymethyl midazolam.

Excretion.

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 glucoconjugated α-hydroxymidazolam. The elimination half-life of this metabolite is < 1 h.
Compounds that inhibit or induce cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A) may alter patient's elimination of midazolam, and the dose may need to be adjusted accordingly (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

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.

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.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Midazolam did not have genotoxic activity in Salmonella typhimurium (5 bacterial strains), Chinese hamster lung cells (V79), human lymphocytes, or in the micronucleus test in mice.

Carcinogenicity.

Midazolam maleate was administered with diet in mice and rats for 2 years at dosages of 1, 9 and 80 mg/kg/day. In female mice in the highest dose group there was a marked 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 not known. These tumours were found after chronic administration, whereas human use is ordinarily single dose or of short duration.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

IV 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 a narcotic.
IV for induction of anaesthesia, preliminary to administration of other anaesthetic agents. With the use of a narcotic premedicant, induction of anaesthesia can be attained with a narrower dose range and in a shorter period of time.
IV for sedation in intensive care units; intermittent administration or continuous infusion.
IM for preoperative sedation (induction of sleepiness or drowsiness and relief of apprehension) and to impair memory of perioperative events.

4.3 Contraindications

Midazolam should not be used in patients with Myasthenia gravis, or those with hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines.
Midazolam should not be administered to patients in shock or coma, or in acute alcoholic intoxication with depression of vital signs.
Benzodiazepines are contraindicated in 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.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Midazolam must never be used without individualisation of dosage. Midazolam should not be administered by rapid or single bolus IV administration (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration). IV 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 IV 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 IV 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 midazolam 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 IV infusion for prolonged sedation, the elimination half-life was found to increase by up to four times (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Pharmacokinetics in special populations).
Particular care should be exercised in the use of IV 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 IV 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 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.

Use in the elderly.

There have been reports of falls and fractures in benzodiazepine users. The risk is increased in those taking concomitant sedatives (including alcoholic beverages) and in the elderly.

Paediatric use.

Safety and effectiveness of midazolam in children below the age of 8 have not been established. Pharmacokinetics in children have not been established and may differ from adults.

Paediatric neurotoxicity.

Some published studies in children have observed cognitive deficits after repeated or prolonged exposures to anaesthetic agents early in life. These studies have substantial limitations, and it is not clear if the observed effects are due to the anaesthetic/analgesic/sedation drug administration or other factors such as the surgery or underlying illness.
Published animal studies of some anaesthetic/analgesic/sedation drugs have reported adverse effects on brain development in early life and late pregnancy. The clinical significance of these nonclinical finding is yet to be determined.
With inhalation or infusion of such drugs, exposure is longer than the period of inhalation or infusion. Depending on the drug and patient characteristics, as well as dosage, the elimination phase may be prolonged relative to the period of administration.

Effects on laboratory tests.

No data available.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Specific interaction studies.

Midazolam can enhance the central sedative effect of neuroleptics, tranquillizers, antidepressants, sleep-inducing drugs, analgesics, anaesthetics, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, antiepileptic drugs and sedative antihistamines. This potentiation of effect can, in certain cases, be of advantage therapeutically.
There is a potentially relevant interaction between midazolam and compounds which inhibit or induce certain hepatic enzymes (particularly CYP3A). 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 potentiation of alcohol and midazolam can produce unforeseeable reactions (no alcoholic beverages for at least 12 h after parenteral administration).
The sedative effect of IV midazolam is accentuated by premedication. Consequently, the dosage of midazolam should be adjusted according to the type and amount of premedication administered.
The plasma concentration of midazolam, following oral administration, has been shown to increase when used in combination with erythromycin, which results in a potentiation of midazolam's sedative effect. A much smaller change in plasma concentration with no observed potentiation of the sedative effects was observed following IV administration of midazolam; however, caution is advised.
A moderate reduction in induction dosage requirements of thiopental (about 15%) has been noted following use of IM 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.
The IV 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 (AUC0 - ∞) 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 IV 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 (AUC0 - ∞) of IV 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 IV compared with oral administration of midazolam. This is because CYP3A modulation not only affects the systemic clearance, but also the bioavailability of oral midazolam.
(ii) There are no studies available that have investigated the effect of CYP3A modulation on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam after either rectal or IM administration. After rectal administration the drug partially bypasses the liver and the expression of CYP3A is lower in the colon compared with the upper gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is expected that the change in midazolam plasma concentration, due to CYP3A modulation, will be less for the rectal than for the oral route of administration. After IM administration, the drug directly enters the systemic circulation. Therefore, it is expected that the effect of CYP3A modulation will be similar to that for IV administration of midazolam.
(iii) In line with pharmacokinetic principles, clinical studies have shown that after a single IV 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 IV 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 IV 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 AUC0 - ∞ of IV midazolam 5-fold while the terminal half-life increased by approximately 4-fold.

Fluconazole and itraconazole.

Both increased the AUC0 - ∞ of IV 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 Cmax 1.7-fold and AUC0 - ∞ 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 IV midazolam by 1.8-fold.

Macrolide antibiotics.

Erythromycin.

Resulted in an increase in the AUC(tf) of IV midazolam and was associated with a 1.4 to 1.8-fold increase in the terminal half-life of midazolam.

Clarithromycin.

Increased the AUC of IV midazolam by approximately 2.5-fold and was associated with a 2.7-fold increase in terminal half-life.

Additional information from oral midazolam.

Roxithromycin has less of an effect on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam than erythromycin or clarithromycin. After oral administration with the roxithromycin, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of midazolam increased approximately 40% compared with increases of 2.7-fold caused by erythromycin and 2.8-fold with clarithromycin, while the 40% increase in AUC0 - ∞ is matched by 4.4-fold and 7-fold increases, respectively. The mild effect on the terminal half-life of midazolam (~ 30%) indicates that the effects of roxithromycin on IV midazolam may be minor.

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 IV infusion of midazolam, the AUC from cessation for 23 h increased approximately 25% and the terminal half-life was prolonged approximately 43%.

Additional information from oral midazolam.

Verapamil and diltiazem.

Increased the Cmax of oral midazolam 2-fold, while AUC0 - ∞ increased 3- and 4-fold, respectively. The terminal half-life of midazolam increased 41% and 49%, respectively.

Various drugs/herbs.

Atorvastatin.

Increased the AUC of IV midazolam by approximately 1.4-fold compared with control group.

Additional information from oral midazolam.

Fluvoxamine.

Increased the AUC0 - ∞ and Cmax of oral midazolam 40% and doubled the terminal half-life.

Nefazodone.

Increased the AUC0 - ∞ of oral midazolam 4.6-fold with an increase in Cmax of 1.8-fold and in terminal half-life of 1.6-fold.

Aprepitant.

Dose-dependently increased the AUC of oral midazolam with an increase of approximately 3.3-fold after 80 mg/d, associated with an approximate 2-fold increase in terminal half-life.

Chlorzoxazone.

Decreased the ratio of the CYP3A-generated metabolite α-hydroxymidazolam to midazolam, indicating a CYP3A-inhibiting effect of chlorzoxazone.

Bicalutamide.

Showed only minor effects on oral midazolam, i.e. a 27% increase in AUC0 - ∞ and 13% on Cmax.

Goldenseal.

Decreased the ratio of the CYP3A-generated metabolite α-hydroxymidazolam to midazolam approximately 40%, indicating CYP3A-inhibitory effect.

Drugs that induce CYP3A.

Rifampicin.

(600 mg o.d.) decreased the AUC of IV midazolam by approximately 60% after 7 days. The terminal half-life decreased by approximately 50 - 60%.

Additional information from oral midazolam.

Carbamazepine and phenytoin.

Repeat dosages of carbamazepine or phenytoin resulted in a decrease in the AUC and Cmax of oral midazolam by over 90% and a shortening of the terminal half-life by almost 60%.

Efavirenz.

The 5-fold increase in the ratio of the CYP3A-generated metabolite α-hydroxy-midazolam to midazolam confirms its CYP3A-inducing effect.

Herbs and food.

Echinacea purpurea root extract.

Decreased the AUC of IV midazolam 20% and was associated with a decrease in half-life approximately 42%.

St. John’s wort.

Decreased the AUC of IV midazolam by approximately 20% and AUC of oral midazolam by 50% with Cmax 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, 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 (for warning of other CNS depressants, including alcohol see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.9 Overdosage).
It has been shown that high spinal anaesthesia can increase the sedative effect of IV midazolam. The midazolam dose may therefore be reduced. Also, when either lignocaine or bupivacaine were administered IM, the dose of IV 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.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

A reproduction study in male and female rates did not show any impairment of fertility at dosages up to 10 times the human IV dose of 0.35 mg/kg.
(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.
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.
Published animal studies of some anaesthetic/analgesic/sedation drugs have reported adverse effects on brain development in early life and late pregnancy.
Published studies in pregnant and juvenile animals demonstrate that the use of anaesthetic/analgesic and sedation drugs that block NMDA receptors and/or potentiate GABA activity during the period of rapid brain growth or synaptogenesis may result in neuronal and oligodendrocyte cell loss in the developing brain and alterations in synaptic morphology and neurogenesis when used for longer than 3 hours. These studies included anaesthetic agents from a variety of drug classes.
 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 for use in nursing mothers.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Fluctuations in vital signs have been noted following parenteral administration of midazolam and include respiratory depression (22.9% following IV administration and 10.8% of patients following IM administration) and apnoea (19% following IV administration), as well as 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 IM 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 narcotics (see also Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).
The following additional adverse reactions were reported after intramuscular administration: headache (1.3%), local effects at intramuscular injection site: pain (3.7%), induration (0.5%), redness (0.5%), muscle stiffness (0.3%).

Post-marketing experience.

The following additional adverse effects were reported subsequent to IV administration of midazolam.

Immune system disorders.

Generalised hypersensitivity reactions (skin reactions, cardiovascular reactions, bronchospasm), angioedema, 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 IV 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 Section 4.4 Special Warning and Precautions for Use).

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, tachypnoea. 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 Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Coughing, hiccoughs.

Gastrointestinal system disorders.

Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, acid taste, retching, excessive salivation.

Skin and appendages disorders.

Skin rash, urticaria, pruritus.

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.

There have been reports of falls and fractures in benzodiazepine users. The risk is increased in those taking concomitant sedatives (including alcoholic beverages) and in the elderly.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at http://www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems and contact Apotex Medical Information enquiries/Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting on 1800 195 055.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Midazolam Apotex Solution for Injection is intended for intravenous and intramuscular administration.
Dosage should be individualised and drug 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 cardio-respiratory adverse events have been reported, provision for monitoring, detection and correction of these reactions must be made for every patient to whom midazolam injection is administered, regardless of age or health status. The dosage of midazolam administered should be adjusted according to the type and amount of premedication used.

Intravenously (IV).

Midazolam should be administered slowly.

Conscious sedation.

Endoscopic or cardiovascular procedures.

For conscious sedation, midazolam can be used either alone or together with a narcotic immediately before the procedure, with supplemental doses to maintain the desired level of sedation throughout the procedure. For per oral procedures, the use of an appropriate topical anaesthetic is recommended. For bronchoscopic procedures, the use of a narcotic 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 min. Wait an additional 2 or more min to fully evaluate the sedative effect. When titrating the dose, 2 or more min 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.
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 not usually necessary. Special caution is required for the indication of conscious sedation in patients with impaired respiratory function (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
If a narcotic premedicant or other CNS depressant is used the dose of midazolam should be lowered by 25 - 30%.

Induction of anaesthesia.

The dosage of midazolam should be determined by the response of the individual patient.
Administration should be by slow IV injection until consciousness is lost using approximately 0.15 - 0.2 mg/kg (10 - 15 mg) administered at a rate of approximately 2.5 mg/10 sec. Maximum sedation is usually reached after 2 - 3 min but 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 narcotic analgesics as it does not have analgesic properties and narcotic analgesics enhance 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 hypovolaemic, vasoconstricted and hypothermic patients.
After prolonged IV administration of midazolam, abrupt 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.

Intramuscularly (IM).

For preoperative sedation (induction of sleepiness or drowsiness and relief of apprehension) and to impair memory of perioperative events.
For IM use, midazolam should be injected deep in a large muscle mass.
The recommended premedication dose of midazolam for low-risk adult patients below the age of 60 years is 0.07 - 0.08 mg/kg IM (~ 5 mg IM) administered approximately 1 h before surgery.
The dose must be individualised and reduced when IM 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 narcotics or other CNS depressants (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). In a study of patients 60 years or older, who did not receive concomitant administration of narcotics, 2 - 3 mg (0.02 - 0.05 mg/kg) of midazolam produced adequate sedation during the preoperative period. In 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 IM midazolam.
Onset is within 15 min, peaking at 30 - 60 min. It can be administered concomitantly with atropine sulfate or scopolamine hydrochloride and reduced doses of narcotics.

Dilution and admixture.

Midazolam may be mixed in the same syringe with frequently used premedicants: morphine sulphate, pethidine, atropine sulphate or scopolamine. Midazolam is compatible with normal saline, glucose 5% and 10% in water, fructose IV infusion (levulose 5%), potassium chloride, sodium chloride and calcium chloride IV infusion (Ringer's solution) and compound sodium lactate IV infusion (Hartmann's solution).
To avoid potential incompatibility with other solutions, midazolam must not be mixed with any solutions except those listed above.
The 50 mg/10 mL, 15 mg/3 mL, 5 mg/1 mL and 5 mg/5 mL formulations may be diluted to facilitate slow injection.
Midazolam ampoules contain no antimicrobial preservative. For single use in one patient only. Discard any unused solution.
The solution should be visually inspected prior to use. Only clear solutions without particles should be used.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

Patients should be warned to take extra care as a pedestrian and not to drive a vehicle or operate a machine until the patient has completely recovered from the effects of the drug, such as drowsiness. The physician should decide when activities such as driving a vehicle or operating a machine may be resumed. The patients' attendants should be made aware that the patients' anterograde amnesia may persist longer than the sedation and therefore, patients may not carry out instructions even though they appear to acknowledge them.

4.9 Overdose

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.
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.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126 (Australia).

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

See Section 2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Midazolam may be mixed in the same syringe with frequently used premedicants: morphine sulphate, pethidine, atropine sulphate or scopolamine. Midazolam is compatible with normal saline, glucose 5% and 10% in water, fructose IV infusion (levulose 5%), potassium chloride, sodium chloride and calcium chloride IV infusion (Ringer's solution) and compound sodium lactate IV infusion (Hartmann's solution).
To avoid potential incompatibility with other solutions, midazolam must not be mixed with any solutions except those listed above.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 30°C. Protect from light. Retain the ampoules in the outer carton until ready for use.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

1 mg/mL Solution for Injection.

5 mL solution in clear glass ampoules, in packs of 5.

5 mg/mL Solution for Injection

1 mL solution in clear glass ampoules, in packs of 10.
3 mL solution in clear glass ampoules, in packs of 5.
10 mL solution in clear glass ampoules, in packs of 5.
Not all strengths, pack types and/or pack sizes may be available.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

Summary Table of Changes