03_04_01 Sedatives

Sedatives
Session Overview
Description
This session describes which sedative agent(s) to use, when and why, for the critically-ill patient.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Identify the indications for sedation
• List at least five different agents that are available
• Describe the clinically relevant pharmacology of each agent
• Describe factors that influence the choice of agents

Sedation is necessary for the management of most ICU patients and yet is not without risk.

No agent is ideal and each carries significant morbidity, especially in the context of organ dysfunction, so tailoring the agent(s) for the individual patient is essential and can improve patient outcome.

As an anaesthetist in ICU it is important that you know the indications for sedation, the ideal sedative to prescribe and the relevant pharmacology for each agent.