Section C Lorazepam as a premedicant in anaesthesia: a pilot study

Summary

A pilot study on 18 gynaecological patients has indicated that oral lorazepam has distinct advantages over diazepam as a premedicant in general anaesthesia. The patient is tranquil but co-operative before the operation and welcomes the opportunity to avoid injections. She suffers less post-operative vomiting than with opiate premedication and has no unpleasant recall of events. The inevitable readjustment of the operating order presents no difficulty for nurse, patient or anaesthetist.

Key words: :

• Lorazepam
• anaesthesia
• obstetrical
• preanaesthetic medication
• amnesia