Does Oral Premedication Increase the Risk of Gastric Aspiration?

In a clinical study including 40 patients, who all underwent elective gynaecological surgery, the quantity and acidity of the gastric contents were compared for patients premedicated with diazepam (Apozepam®) intramuscularly and orally, respectively. A significant difference was found with regard to both the quantity and acidity of the gastric fluid. The volume of gastric fluid was smaller after oral than after intramuscular premedication with diazepam (1.5 ml and 20 ml, respectively). The acidity of the gastric fluid was also less after oral than after intramuscular premedication (pH 2.4 and 1.8, respectively).