Which benzodiazepine is described as short-acting?

Which benzodiazepine is described as short-acting?

• A. Lorazepam
• B. Midazolam
• C. Diazepam
• D. Clonazepam

Answer: (B)

Midazolam is short-acting because its pharmacokinetics give a rapid onset followed by quick clearance from the brain. When given, especially IV, it acts within minutes to produce sedation, but it is rapidly redistributed to other tissues and then metabolized in the liver to inactive or minimally active products, so its effects wear off relatively quickly. The other benzodiazepines here tend to last longer. Lorazepam has a longer duration due to slower metabolism and redistribution, and diazepam plus its active metabolites extend the effect further. Clonazepam also has a long half-life and prolonged action, making it less suitable for brief sedation.

Midazolam is short-acting because its pharmacokinetics give a rapid onset followed by quick clearance from the brain. When given, especially IV, it acts within minutes to produce sedation, but it is rapidly redistributed to other tissues and then metabolized in the liver to inactive or minimally active products, so its effects wear off relatively quickly.

The other benzodiazepines here tend to last longer. Lorazepam has a longer duration due to slower metabolism and redistribution, and diazepam plus its active metabolites extend the effect further. Clonazepam also has a long half-life and prolonged action, making it less suitable for brief sedation.