Flunitrazepam as an induction agent in children. A clinical and pharmacokinetic study.

Flunitrazepam was studied as an induction agent in paediatric patients. The onset of action was slow and its efficacy uncertain following single doses of 0.03 mg kg-1(n = 4), or 0.04 mg kg-1 (n = 6) i.v. Long-lasting sedative effects were observed following operation. A strong anterograde but not retrograde amnesic effect was obtained, and a possible analgesic sparing property. Flunitrazepam has a faster and more extensive tissue distribution and a more rapid elimination (half-life about 12 h) in children than in adults.