Effect of midazolam and diazepam on either spontaneous or oxytocin induced contractions of isolated pregnant mouse uterus near term

Midazolam is a water soluble member of the benzodiazepine group of drugs which were thoroughly investigated as sedative hypnotics and anticonvulsant drugs. However its effect on the uterus was not yet sufficiently explored. Therefore the present study was carried on to investigate the effect of midazolam and diazepam on the isolated uterus of pregnant mouse near term. Doth midazolam and diazepam were added to the organ bath either alone or after oxytocin. The effects of these drugs on the uterus were recorded and compared with the effect of magnesium sulfate as a tocolytic agent. Diazepam produced significant decrease in the spontaneous uterine activities. Neither midazolam nor diazepam could produce any effect on the oxytocin induced uterine contractions compared to magnesium sulfate which could inhibit both spontaneous as well as oxytocin induced uterine activities. It was concluded that midazolam and diazepam can be used therapeuticaly as an alternative for magnesium sulfate to control eclamptic fits without interference with the effect of oxytocin if it is indicated to induce labour