THE COST OF SEDATING AND PARALYZING THE CRITICALLY ILL PATIENT

Unless the health care industry becomes more cost-effective, approximately 25% of the gross domestic product in the United States will be consumed by health care by the year 2050. Intensive care units (ICUs) are among the costliest areas of the hospital. This article describes several strategies to reduce overall drug costs in the ICU, including reducing acquisition costs, using generic brands when feasible, and educating physicians in drug-cost efficiency, appropriate drug selection, dosing intervals, and administration levels.