Midazolam, also known by the trade names Versed®, Hypnovel® and Dormicum®, is a benzodiazepine drug with an imidazole structure. Used commonly as an anxiolytic, amnesia, hypnotic and sedative, this medication provides an effect similar to diazepam, but with a quicker onset and shorter duration.
This medication is frequently used (often in combination with other agents) by anesthesiologists for sedating patients prior to surgery, as well as for other invasive medical procedures such as colonoscopy.