Sedation
Sedation is the reduction of irritability or agitation by administration of sedative drugs, generally to facilitate a medical procedure or diagnostic procedure.
Generally requires intubation and mechanical ventilation. Doses are generally lower than those used by anesthesiologists for general anesthesia.
Drugs
Drugs which can be used for sedation include Thiopental (Pentothal®) Remifentanil (Ultiva®), propofol, etomidate, ketamine, fentanyl, Precedex® (Dexmedetomidine), Midazolam.
Scales
Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale.
Conscious sedation
Deep sedation
see Deep sedation.