title: Sedation in critically ill patients: a review.
abstract: The most commonly used sedatives in the intensive care setting are midazolam, propofol and lorazepam. The ACCM/SCCM recommendations provide reasonable options for selection of therapeutic agents. Choices may differ, however, in specific cases. For example, where frequent neurological evaluation is necessary, propofol may be the sedative of choice in long term sedation. Abrupt withdrawal of any sedative may precipitate withdrawal symptoms and infusion dosages should be reduced gradually. Finally, any sedation strategy should be devised in cooperation with the ICU nursing staff to be certain that both medical and nursing requirements converge with the patients needs.
authors.affiliation: Brown Medical School, Department of Anesthesiology, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Davol Building, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903 USA. GBuczko@lifespan.org
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Buczko
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D016638:Critical Illness; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D008874:Midazolam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008140:Lorazepam; D008874:Midazolam; D015742:Propofol