SUMMARY The sedative effects of nitrazepam in a dose of 5 mg and 10 mg have been compared with Mandrax, a combination of methaqualone 250 mg with diphenhydramine 25 mg. Studies were carried out in gynaecological patients undergoing minor surgical operations using the scoring system previously described. The degree of sedation obtained after administration of the two dose levels of nitrazepam was comparable to that obtained after the administration of Mandrax and the changes in heart rate and blood pressure were similar. There was a significantly higher incidence of postoperative emetic sequelae with the larger dose of nitrazepam.