ANALGESIA AND SEDATION IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1593912306113

• Palavras-chave: Analgesia; sedation; intensive care unit.

• Keywords: Analgesia; sedation; intensive care unit.

• Abstract:

  Sedation and analgesia are essential components in the management of all critically ill patients. The main indications for use include relieving patient discomfort, anxiety and agitation, promoting mechanical ventilation, preventing displacement of endotracheal tubes and decreasing cellular metabolism. Based on the above, the main objective of this work was to review and compare sedation and analgesia medications in patients admitted to the ICU. To this end, a qualitative/descriptive narrative literature review was carried out, using online databases such as SciELO; PubMed and Lilacs. Scientific articles, monographs and theses in Portuguese, English and Spanish were selected. Currently, there is a wide variety of pharmacological agents available to meet the diverse needs of this heterogeneous group of patients. Targeting treatment toward specific, individualized goals will ensure that the patient's needs are met. All sedatives currently available for use in the ICU have limitations. Rather than searching for an ideal medication, medication delivery strategies that focus attention on the principles of sedative pharmacology in critical illness must be utilized. Choosing the appropriate drug for analgesia and sedation will maximize therapeutic success and minimize complications.