The Canadian journal of hospital pharmacy
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Sedation in the critically ill patient is essential to ensure maximal quality of life in the high-stress environment of the intensive care unit. The main goals of sedation include augmentation of pain control, management of agitation and psychological distress, and improvement of patient tolerance and acceptance of the endotracheal tube and ventilatory support. ⋯ Other agents which have been employed include, other opiates such as fentanyl and sufentanil, butyrophenones such as haloperidol, and anesthetics such as propofol. These agents will be reviewed with respect to their role in sedating the critically ill patient.