Abstract

We studied sedation, cognition, and mood during midazolam infusion in volunteers with red and non-red (blond or brown) hair, to test the hypothesis that patients with red hair may require more drugs to attain desired levels of sedation.Twenty red and 19 non-red hair subjects were studied in a randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over design. Subjects were studied during placebo and midazolam at 30 ng.mL(-1) target effect site concentration. Sedation was assessed using the observer's assessment of alertness/sedation (OAA/S) scale, the drowsiness visual analogue scale (VAS), and the bispectral index; cognition was assessed using the Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status; and mood was assessed using the bipolar form of the Profile of Mood States (POMS).Red hair volunteers showed significantly higher OAA/S (P < 0.01) and lower drowsiness VAS (P < 0.05) scores compared to non-red hair subjects during midazolam infusion. Visuospatial score was significantly higher in subjects with red compared to non-red hair during placebo and midazolam trials. Delayed memory score was significantly higher during midazolam infusion in subjects with red compared to non-red hair. There were no group differences in POMS during either trials.Midazolam appears to cause significantly less sedation and cognitive impairment in red haired subjects.

View details for Web of Science ID 000188713000007

View details for PubMedID 14709456