Nasal spray sedative may be more effective with children than traditional methods, new research has shown.
A study, published in Anesthesia Progress, looked at the effectiveness of sedatives delivered using a mucosal atomiser (nasal spray) in children before they have teeth extracted.
Researchers gave a sedative to 118 South African children, between the ages of four and six, who all needed a tooth extracting.
A mucosal atomiser was used to spray intranasal midazolam, a commonly used sedative that is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lining of the nose, at doses of 0.3 or 0.5 mg/kg.
The results showed that all children were sedated to some degree, with those who received a larger dose experiencing less anxiety and a better behaviour score, with only a couple of minutes longer to wake from sedation afterwards.
The only downside reported in the study was the burning sensation experienced when the drug was sprayed.
Researchers concluded that the nasal spray is the best way to deliver sedatives during short procedures.
