In healthy adults with normal hepatic function, the typical duration of action for a single midazolam dose is:

• A. It lasts more than 12 hours
• B. 1-2 hours
• C. It lasts only a few minutes
• D. 6-8 hours

Answer: (B)

Midazolam’s sedative effects from a single standard dose in a healthy adult with normal liver function typically last about one to two hours. This matches its pharmacokinetic profile: rapid onset and relatively short duration of action due to hepatic metabolism (CYP3A4) and clearance, with any active metabolite not markedly extending the overall duration after a single dose. Durations longer than this can occur with higher doses, advanced age, hepatic impairment, or when combined with other CNS depressants, but in a healthy adult the clinically noticeable effects are about 1–2 hours. Longer durations (6–8 hours or more than 12 hours) or very brief effects (a few minutes) are not expected for a single standard dose in this setting.