Buccal midazolam information leaflet

Warning

NHS Borders

"Information given on this site is not meant to take the place of a talk with your doctor or health worker."

What is buccal midazolam? 

Midazolam is a medicine that can be used to help a person feel more relaxed. Buccal refers to the way the medicine is given and this involves placing small amounts of midazolam liquid between the gums and cheek where it also dissolves and is absorbed into the bloodstream. 

When is midazolam used? 

Unfortunately some illnesses may mean that someone may have a sudden distressing event which can lead to them becoming unresponsive or even die. In a situation like this midazolam is used to help the person experiencing a sudden, distressing event feel more relaxed and less distressed by what is happening. 

If the above situation occurs, please give midazolam following the steps below: 

  1. Draw up the medication into a syringe – see dose to administer above 
  2. Place the syringe between their bottom teeth and cheek inside their mouth 
  3. Push the syringe to release the liquid over 2-3 seconds in the space between their teeth and cheek. 
  4. If you cannot open their mouth, the midazolam can be given into their nose using an adapter that can be attached on the end of the syringe 

It can feel and be a frightening experience seeing a sudden change in a person’s condition 

Please remember the medicine will not be the reason why the person is becoming less well, the reason will be because of their illness.

You can help the person by being there and keeping calm by talking to them. 

You can contact 999 if you feel you need help urgently. Please make sure the Ambulance team are made aware of the person’s illness and what is important with their care. There may be documents such as a ReSPECT form or other anticipatory care planning document, or a DNACPR that would be helpful for the Ambulance team to be aware of regarding the person’s care. 

Other things that could help and why (examples could be dark towels or positioning of the body):

 

 

 

 

Name:

Midazolam has been prescribed because:

 

Midazolam does to administer:

 

 

 

 

Editorial Information

Next review date: 31/12/2026

Author(s): Hogg R.

Author email(s): rachel.hogg3@borders.scot.nhs.uk.

Approved By: Clinical Governance & Quality

Reviewer name(s): Hogg R.