Relative Sedative Potency of Midazolam Versus Lorazepam
Lorazepam (Ativan) is more potent than midazolam (Versed) on a sedative-potency basis for intravenous continuous-infusion ICU sedation. [1]
Potency Comparison
- In a double-blind randomized ICU study using target-controlled intravenous infusions to achieve moderate sedation (Ramsay Sedation Scale target 3–4), the estimated sedative potency of lorazepam was twice that of midazolam. [1]
Clinical Implications
- Potency comparisons between benzodiazepines are dependent on route and the sedation endpoint. [1]
- In this ICU infusion context, lorazepam achieved the same modeled depth of sedation at lower benzodiazepine concentrations than midazolam. [1]
Practical Takeaway
- Lorazepam is generally considered more potent than midazolam on a mg-to-equivalent sedative effect basis for intravenous infusion sedation, while midazolam is characterized by different pharmacokinetics (including emergence characteristics) in the same clinical context. [1]