Age and nature of operation influence the pharmacokinetics of midazolam.

The pharmacokinetics of midazolam were studied in surgical patients given 0.3 mg kg-1 i.v. for either the induction of anaesthesia, or postoperative sedation following cardiopulmonary bypass. The short elimination half-life of midazolam (2.4 h in patients less than 50 yr undergoing minor surgery) was significantly, although not markedly, prolonged with age (4.1 h in patients greater than 50 yr undergoing minor procedures) and by the nature of the operation (3.8 h after major operative procedures). These changes were the result of alterations in clearance and volume of distribution with age, and in volume of distribution with nature of operation.