Midazolam vs. Diprivan (Propofol)

Are Midazolam and Diprivan (Propofol) the Same Thing?

Midazolam Injection and Syrup and Propofol Injectable Emulsion are used as sedatives before surgery or other medical procedures.

Propofol Injectable Emulsion is also used for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) sedation of intubated, mechanically ventilated patients.

Midazolam and Propofol belong to different drug classes. Midazolam is a benzodiazepine and Propofol is an I.V. sedative-hypnotic.

Brand names for midazolam include Versed.

Brand names for Propofol include Diprivan, Anesthesia S/I-40, and Anesthesia S/I-40A.

Side effects of midazolam and Propofol that are similar include slow heart rate, rash, and injection site pain.

Side effects of midazolam that are different from Propofol include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, cough, headache, hiccups, trouble sleeping, breathing difficulties, chest congestion, agitation, “oversedation,” or injection site reactions (swelling, redness, stiffness, blood clots, and tenderness).

Side effects of Propofol that are different from midazolam include fast heart rate, high or low blood pressure, injection site reactions (burning or stinging), apnea, and itching.

Both midazolam and Propofol may interact with narcotics or sedatives.

Midazolam may also interact with alcohol, H2 blockers, theophylline, aminophylline, azole antifungals, protease inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, antibiotics, rifampin, phenobarbital, or drugs that make you drowsy (psychiatric medicines, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-seizure drugs, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, or sleeping pills).

Propofol may also interact with inhaled anesthetics.

Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking midazolam.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Midazolam?

Common side effects of Midazolam include:

  • drowsiness,
  • dizziness,
  • weakness,
  • unsteadiness,
  • depression,
  • loss of orientation,
  • headache,
  • sleep disturbances,
  • problems with thinking or memory,
  • slurred speech,
  • dry mouth,
  • sore gums,
  • runny nose,
  • loss of appetite,
  • diarrhea,
  • constipation, and
  • blurred vision.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Diprivan (Propofol)?

Common side effects of Diprivan (Propofol) include:

  • nausea,
  • cough,
  • burning or stinging around the IV needle,
  • itching or skin rash,
  • numbness or tingly feeling,
  • confusion,
  • agitation,
  • anxiety,
  • muscle pain, or
  • discolored urine.

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effect of Diprivan including:

  • injection site reactions (pain, swelling, blisters, or skin changes),
  • seizures (convulsions),
  • weak or shallow breathing, or
  • fast or slow heart rate.

What Is Midazolam?

Midazolam HCl Injection is a benzodiazepine used as a sedative before surgery or other medical procedures.

What Is Diprivan (Propofol)?

Diprivan (Propofol) Injectable Emulsion is a sedative-hypnotic agent used to help you relax before and during general anesthesia for surgery or other medical procedure. It is also used in critically ill patients who require a breathing tube connected to a ventilator. Diprivan is available in generic form.

What Drugs Interact With Midazolam?

Midazolam may interact with H2 blockers, fluconazole, theophylline, aminophylline, erythromycin, or drugs that make you drowsy, such as: narcotics, psychiatric medicines, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-seizure drugs, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, or sedatives. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Midazolam should be used only if prescribed. It may harm a fetus. Infants born to mothers who have used this drug during pregnancy may have withdrawal symptoms. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking this medication.

What Drugs Interact With Diprivan (Propofol)?

Diprivan (Propofol) may interact with chloral hydrate, droperidol, barbiturates, diazepam or similar medicines, or narcotics.

How Should Midazolam Be Taken?

Dosing of Midazolam is individualized. The recommended premedication dose of midazolam for low risk adult patients below the age of 60 years is 0.07 to 0.08 mg/kg IM (approximately 5 mg IM) administered up to 1 hour before surgery.

How Should Diprivan (Propofol) Be Taken?

Diprivan (Propofol) is administered under a physician's supervision. Dose depends on the condition being treated and the patient's weight.

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References

FDA. Midazolam (Versed) Prescribing Information.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208878Orig1s000lbl.pdf
FDA. Diprivan (Propofol) Side Effects Drug Center.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/019627s062lbl.pdf

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