Dormicum is used to produce sleepiness or drowsiness and to relieve anxiety before surgery or certain procedures. It is also used to produce loss of consciousness before and during surgery. Dormicum is used sometimes in patients in intensive care units in hospitals to cause unconsciousness. This may allow the patients to withstand the stress of being in the intensive care unit and help the patients cooperate when a machine must be used to assist them with breathing.

Dormicum is given only by or under the immediate supervision of a doctor trained to use this medicine. If you will be receiving Dormicum during surgery, your doctor or anesthesiologist will give you the medicine and closely follow your progress.

Special precautions

For Dormicum , the following should be considered:

Allergies� Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Dormicum or other benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam [e.g., Xanax], bromazepam [e.g., Lectopam], chlordiazepoxide [e.g., Librium], clonazepam [e.g., Klonopin], clorazepate [e.g., Tranxene], diazepam [e.g., Valium], estazolam [e.g., ProSom], flurazepam [e.g., Dalmane], halazepam [e.g., Paxipam], ketazolam [e.g., Loftran], lorazepam [e.g., Ativan], nitrazepam [e.g., Mogadon], oxazepam [e.g., Serax], prazepam [e.g., Centrax], quazepam [e.g., Doral], temazepam [e.g., Restoril], triazolam [e.g., Halcion]). Also, tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives, foods, or dyes.

Pregnancy� Dormicum is not recommended for use during pregnancy because it may cause birth defects. Other benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide (e.g., Librium) and diazepam (e.g., Valium) that are related chemically and in action to Dormicum , have been reported to increase the chance of birth defects when used during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Also, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat, may cause drowsiness, especially during the last few days, use of Dormicum during pregnancy, or troubled breathing in the newborn infant. In addition, receiving Dormicum just before or during labor may cause weakness in the newborn infant.

Breast-feeding� Dormicum passes into human breast milk. Because newborn babies may be especially sensitive to the effects of Dormicum , you should discuss breast-feeding with your physician if you are going to receive Dormicum . It may be advisable to stop breast-feeding for a short period of time after receiving Dormicum .

Children� Newborn babies may be especially sensitive to the effects of Dormicum . This may increase the chance of side effects during the use of this medicine. Also, time to complete recovery after Dormicum is given may be longer in very ill newborn babies.

Older adults� Elderly people are especially sensitive to the effects of Dormicum . This may increase the chance of side effects during the use of this medicine. Also, time to complete recovery after Dormicum is given may be slower in the elderly than in younger adults.

Other medicines� although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving Dormicum , it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

• Central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that cause drowsiness) or alcohol�The CNS depressant and other effects of alcohol, other medicines, or Dormicum may be increased; also, the effects of Dormicum may last longer

• Saquinavir (e.g., Fortovase, Invirase)�Saquinavir may interfere with the removal of Dormicum from the body, which could lead to serious side effects

Other medical problems� the presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Dormicum . Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Heart disease or

• Kidney disease or

• Liver disease or

• Obesity (overweight)�The effects of Dormicum may last longer

• Lung disease or

• Myasthenia gravis or other muscle and nerve disease� Dormicum may make the condition worse

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. While you are receiving Dormicum your doctor will monitor you closely for the side effects of Dormicum , for example, breathing problems and confusion.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Most side effects will go away as the effects of Dormicum wear off.

However, check with your doctor if any side effects continue or are bothersome.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Don't let anyone else take your medicines.