Efficacy of nitrous oxide-oxygen inhalation versus oral midazolam-promethazine as sedative agents in pediatric patients: a comparative study

Background Managing difficult and uncooperative pediatric dental patients is a challenging task. Conscious sedation has been propagated as a pharmacological means for handling such situations. Objective To evaluate the effects of sedation using nitrous oxide-oxygen inhalation versus oral midazolam-promethazine in pediatric patients. Patients and methods A total of 100 pediatric patients were selected and divided into two equal categories: group 1 (midazolam-promethazine) and group 2 (N2O-O2). Ethical committee approval was obtained, and patients were assessed. Data collected were analyzed using an unpaired t test. Results Duration of sedation was found to be statistically significant, and a higher duration was found for group 1. No significant differences were noted in the behavior rating scale with either of the combinations and in pulse oximeter readings. Conclusion Midazolam/promethazine is better in inducing longer sedation than N2O/O2.