Rectal flunitrazepam as premedication in preschool children. A double-blind randomized study.

Abstract

The efficacy of flunitrazepam (0.04 mg.kg-1) as a premedicant was evaluated in 40 young children of less than 5 years of age in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Flunitrazepam was given by the rectal route 15 min prior to an inhalational mask induction with halothane. Sedation score, mask acceptance and induction score were significantly better in premedicated children than in the placebo group. There were no hypoxic episodes, prolonged sedation or other complications in either group. This suggests that flunitrazepam administered rectally in a low dose is an acceptable premedication in young children.