title: Drugs of choice for sedation and analgesia in the neonatal ICU.
abstract: Painful procedures in the neonatal ICU are common, undertreated, and lead to adverse consequences. The drugs most commonly used to treat neonatal pain include the opiates, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, ketamine, propofol, acetaminophen, and local and topical anesthetics. This article discusses the indications for and advantages and disadvantages of the commonly used analgesic drugs. Guidance and references for drugs and dosing for specific neonatal procedures are provided.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Slot 512B, 4301 W Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. hallrichardw@uams.edu
authors.forename: R Whit
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Rolla M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Shbarou
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives