Midazolam Potentiates Nociceptive Behavior, Sensitizes Cutaneous Reflexes, and Is Devoid of Sedative Action in Neonatal Rats

Abstract

The results show a striking reversal in the effects of midazolam on nociception and sedation in rats between postnatal days 3 and 10. Midazolam fails to sedate young rats and sensitizes their flexor reflex activity. The sedative and desensitizing effects of midazolam are not observed until later in life after maturation in supraspinal centers. The results indicate a need to better understand the pharmacology of drugs used routinely in neonatal intensive care.