Comparison of sublingually and orally administered triazolam for premedication before oral surgery.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

This study evaluated sublingual administration of triazolam for preoperative sedation in dental outpatients.

STUDY DESIGN:

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared 0.25 mg sublingual triazolam, 0.25 mg oral triazolam, and placebo administered 1 hour before oral surgery.

RESULTS:

Sublingual triazolam resulted in significantly less anxiety and pain at 15 minutes intraoperatively than both oral triazolam and placebo (p < 0.05). Patients' global evaluation of the efficacy of sedation ranked sublingual triazolam as significantly more efficacious than placebo (p < 0.05) with oral triazolam intermediate between the two. No difference was demonstrated in the rate of recovery or incidence of side effects between the two drug groups. Plasma triazolam levels were higher after sublingual administration during and after the surgical procedure.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results indicate that sublingual triazolam results in greater anxiolytic activity and less pain perception than oral administration as a result of greater plasma drug levels and may be useful as an alternative for nonparenteral outpatient sedation.

• Authors: C W Berthold, R A Dionne, S E Corey
• Journal: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology, and endodontics (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod) Vol. 84 Issue 2 Pg. 119-24 (Aug 1997) ISSN: 1079-2104 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9269010 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Hypnotics and Sedatives
• Triazolam

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Administration, Sublingual
• Adult
• Anesthesia, Dental (methods)
• Biological Availability
• Conscious Sedation (methods)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Hypnotics and Sedatives (administration & dosage, blood, pharmacokinetics)
• Male
• Manifest Anxiety Scale
• Molar, Third (surgery)
• Outcome Assessment, Health Care
• Pain Measurement
• Preanesthetic Medication
• Regression Analysis
• Tooth Extraction
• Triazolam (administration & dosage, blood, pharmacokinetics)