88% of candidates passed this question.
Most candidates had a broad understanding of the indications, mechanism of action and the broad pharmacodynamic effects of midazolam.

Those candidates who scored poorly demonstrated a lack of clarity and detail around the pharmacokinetics which are critical to its use and side effect profile.

The examiners noted the details surrounding its bioavailability, protein binding was either almost universally absent or were generic statements that don’t score marks.

Better candidates mentioned the changes in ring structure and lipophilicity associated with changes in pH and showed good understanding of clinically relevant facts regarding lipid solubility and active metabolites.