Sedate

Sedation
Specialty	Anesthesiology
Symptoms	Reduced anxiety, drowsiness, relaxation
Complications	Respiratory depression, hypotension
Usual onset	Immediate to a few minutes
Duration	Minutes to hours
Causes	Administration of sedative drugs
Risk factors	Overdose, allergic reactions
Treatment	Monitoring, supportive care

Sedation is a medical procedure involving the administration of sedative drugs to induce a state of calm or sleep. It is commonly used in various medical settings to facilitate procedures that might otherwise be uncomfortable or distressing for patients. Sedation can range from minimal, where the patient is relaxed but fully conscious, to deep, where the patient is on the edge of consciousness.

Types of Sedation

Sedation is classified into different levels based on the depth of sedation achieved:

• Minimal Sedation (Anxiolysis): The patient is relaxed and awake, able to respond normally to verbal commands. Cognitive function and coordination may be impaired, but ventilatory and cardiovascular functions are unaffected.

• Moderate Sedation/Analgesia (Conscious Sedation): The patient is sleepy but can respond purposefully to verbal commands or light tactile stimulation. No interventions are required to maintain a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation is adequate.

• Deep Sedation/Analgesia: The patient cannot be easily aroused but responds purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function may be impaired.

• General Anesthesia: The patient is not arousable, even with painful stimulation. The ability to maintain ventilatory function is often impaired, and assistance may be required.

Indications for Sedation

Sedation is indicated in various medical and surgical procedures, including:

• Endoscopy
• Dental procedures
• Minor surgical procedures
• Diagnostic imaging
• Cardiac catheterization

Common Sedative Agents

Several classes of drugs are used for sedation, including:

• Benzodiazepines: Such as midazolam and diazepam, which provide anxiolysis and amnesia.
• Opioids: Such as fentanyl and morphine, which provide analgesia and sedation.
• Propofol: A short-acting sedative-hypnotic agent used for induction and maintenance of sedation.
• Ketamine: Provides sedation, analgesia, and amnesia, often used in pediatric sedation.

Complications of Sedation

While sedation is generally safe, it can lead to complications, including:

• Respiratory depression
• Hypotension
• Allergic reactions
• Paradoxical reactions (e.g., agitation)

Monitoring and Safety

Patients undergoing sedation require careful monitoring to ensure safety. This includes:

• Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation
• Monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate
• Observation of respiratory rate and effort
• Availability of resuscitation equipment

Also see

• Anesthesia
• Conscious sedation
• General anesthesia
• Local anesthesia

References

• American Society of Anesthesiologists. "Practice Guidelines for Sedation and Analgesia by Non-Anesthesiologists." Anesthesiology, 2002.
• "Sedation and Analgesia for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures in Children and Adults." New England Journal of Medicine, 2000.