Benzodiazepines

Diazepam has a long half-life, principally because of its active metabolites. Midazolam is short-acting but is only used intravenously. Promethazine is an antihistamine with a 12-hour half-life and may cause daytime sedation. Clomethiazole is less safe in overdose, has dependence potential and is only licensed for sedation in the elderly. Loprazolam is short-acting (half-life 6–12 hours) and would be a reasonable choice.