Efficacy of oral psychosedative drugs for preanesthetic medication

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Abstract
The effectiveness of 5 oral preanesthetic medications was evaluated in a blind, randomized study of 712 elective surgical patients predicted to become apprehensive preoperatively. A barbiturate (pentobarbital sodium, 200 mg), a non-barbiturate hypnotic sedative (ethchlorvynol, 1,000 mg and 400 mg), and 3 minor tranquilizers (diazepam, 20 mg and 10 mg; hydroxyzine hydrochloride, 200 mg; and oxazepam, 60 mg) were the pharmacological classes investigated. Pentobarbital, ethchlorvynol, and diazepam were statistically differentiated from hydroxyaine, oxazepam, and a placebo. Antiapprehensive activity could only be demonstrated in patients who also became drowsy. Three methods of elevation (nurse observer-interviewer, patient self-assessment, anesthetist''s impression) were employed. When preanesthetic sedation is required, the use of oral drug forms can provide a safer route of administration and eliminate the risks of injection.

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