Which Drugs Are Used To Sedate Patients?

Dr. Chapman is qualified to use multiple drugs.

Sedation is the reduction of irritability or agitation by administration of sedative drugs, generally to facilitate the dental procedure. Drugs which can be used for sedation include propofol, etomidate, ketamine, fentanyl, and midazolam.

What each drug does:

  • Propofol – This drug is classified with a group of medications known as hypnotics and also anaesthetics. It reduces sensitivity to pain by reducing the movement of pain messages through the nerves. Propofol is used to induce and maintain sleep as part of anaesthesia. It can be used on adults as well as children as young as 3 years old. It helps the patient relax and reduces awareness, but it does not cause deep sleep.

  • Etomidate – Etomidate is a hypnotic drug without analgesic activity. It is a short-acting intravenous anaesthetic agent used for the induction of general anaesthesia and sedation for short procedures.

  • Ketamine – Ketamine is a short-acting general anaesthetic that has hallucinogenic and painkilling qualities that seem to affect people in various ways.
    It blocks pain nerve paths without depressing respiratory and circulatory functions. Due to this Ketamine acts as a reliable anaesthetic.

  • Fentanyl – This medication is used to relieve severe ongoing pain. Fentanyl belongs to the class drug known as narcotic analgesics. It works in the brain and changed how the body feels and responds to pain.

  • Midazolam – Midazolam injections cause drowsiness, relief from anxiety and prevents any memory of the event of a surgical procedure. Midazolam belongs to a class of medications call benzodiazepines, which produces a calming effect on the brain and central nervous system.

Possible Side Effects – Light-headedness, dizziness or headaches are some of the side effects that could possibly occur after the use of fentanyl. A slight irritation, itching or redness could also appear at the place of application. These side effects (should they occur) will only last for a short while.

Dr. Chapman is qualified and experienced in using all the mentioned drugs, and also in using some of these drugs combined in procedures should there be a need for it.

Some of these drugs could cause side effects of some other medications or substances. If the patient is on any medication of any kind, this should be made known to Dr. Chapman before the sedation procedure.