Comparison of intranasal midazolam, intranasal ketamine, and oral chloral hydrate for conscious sedation during paediatric echocardiography: results of a prospective randomised study.

Results of our prospectively randomised study indicate that all three agents provide adequate sedation for successful transthoracic echocardiography. When compared the three sedatives, intranasal midazolam has a more rapid onset of sedation while intranasal ketamine has a shorter duration of sedation. Intranasal ketamine can be used safely with fewer side effects in children undergoing transthoracic echocardiography.