title: Sedation/drugs used in intensive care sedation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is recognition that the use of sedative drugs in critically ill patients is potentially harmful, particularly in relation to ICU delirium and clinical outcomes. In that context, there is an increasing interest in maintaining light sedation, the use of non-gamma-aminobutyric acid agonist agents and antipsychotics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sedative drugs currently available have limitations relating to duration of action, cost or variability in response. Recent reviews and meta-analyses comparing sedatives in ICU patients differ in their findings depending on whether trials in elective cardiac surgical patients are included. Dexmedetomidine does appear to reduce the number of ventilator days in the less sick critically ill patient. There is currently no evidence to support the routine use of antipsychotics in ICU patients to prevent or treat delirium, although they will reduce agitation and they appear to be well tolerated when used in the critically ill patient. Sedation protocols and early mobilization reduce the use of sedative drugs and improve some outcomes but are challenging to implement in practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The bedside clinician needs to balance the need to sedate the patient and maintain life-saving support, while keeping their patient responsive, cooperative and pain free.
authors: aIntensive Care Unit, Watford General Hospital, Watford bFaculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London cCentre for Infection and Immunity, Queen's University of Belfast dRegional Intensive Care Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast UK.
authors: Valerie J
authors: VJ
authors: Page
authors: Daniel F
authors: DF
authors: McAuley
mesh_terms: D000777:Anesthetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016292:Procedural Sedation / Q000379:methods*; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D003693:Delirium / Q000517:prevention & control; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000777:Anesthetics; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives