A comparison of oral diazepam versus midazolam, administered with intravenous meperidine, as premedication to sedation for pediatric endoscopy.

Objectives: This study was performed to compare the effects of oral midazolam and oral diazepam, administered with intravenous (IV) meperidine, on pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural sedation and recovery in children undergoing diagnostic upper endoscopy. The costs of pre-procedure sedation were compared for the two benzodiazepines.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind study was conducted in 154 children (mean age 96.