New agents for sedation in the intensive care unit

In recent years novel solutions for the problems of sedation, analgesia, and anxiolysis in ICUs have been created or have evolved with clinical use. The clew alpha -adrenergic agonist dexmedetomidine induces a unique state of cooperative sedation that may revolutionize existing taxonomy for sedation. The ultrashort-acting opioid remifentanil supplants existing opioids by providing adequate analgesia without the risk for prolonged side effects after discontinuing therapy. Finally, an older benzodiazepine, lorazepam, is being used more frequently because its longer half-life may represent a significant cost savings when prolonged sedation is needed.