Premedication that is avoided with Cesarean deliveries?

Premedication that is avoided with Cesarean deliveries?

• A. Diazepam
• B. Morphine
• C. Ketamine
• D. Midazolam

Answer: (A)

Premedication around cesarean delivery should minimize fetal exposure to sedatives that can depress the newborn after birth. Benzodiazepines cross the placenta and can cause neonatal sedation and respiratory depression. Diazepam is particularly problematic because it has a long half-life and active metabolites, so the neonate can remain sedated for an extended period after delivery, potentially impairing respiration and Apgar scores. This makes diazepam the least desirable choice for premedication in cesarean births. Midazolam is also a benzodiazepine, but it is shorter-acting than diazepam, so it’s less likely to cause prolonged neonatal effects, though it is still generally avoided when possible. Morphine and ketamine have their own considerations in obstetrics, but the clear reason diazepam is avoided is its long-acting placental transfer and neonatal sedation risk.

Premedication around cesarean delivery should minimize fetal exposure to sedatives that can depress the newborn after birth. Benzodiazepines cross the placenta and can cause neonatal sedation and respiratory depression. Diazepam is particularly problematic because it has a long half-life and active metabolites, so the neonate can remain sedated for an extended period after delivery, potentially impairing respiration and Apgar scores. This makes diazepam the least desirable choice for premedication in cesarean births.

Midazolam is also a benzodiazepine, but it is shorter-acting than diazepam, so it’s less likely to cause prolonged neonatal effects, though it is still generally avoided when possible. Morphine and ketamine have their own considerations in obstetrics, but the clear reason diazepam is avoided is its long-acting placental transfer and neonatal sedation risk.