The influence of the time of day on midazolam pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in rabbits.

Background: This study evaluates the time-of-day effect on midazolam and 1-OH midazolam pharmacokinetics, and on the sedative pharmacodynamic response in rabbits. Also, circadian fluctuations in rabbits' vital signs, such as the blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature were examined. The water intake was measured in order to confirm the presence of the animals' diurnal activity.