Table 4.
Properties of sedative drug classes relevant to delivery of sedation in NIV
| Sedative | Haemodynamic stability | Analgesia | Amnesia | Anxiolysis | PVD | Avoidance of PONV | Promotion of natural sleep | Suitability for use after extubation | Delirium avoidance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propofol | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 20 |
| Midazolam | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 19 |
| Opioids | 4 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 20 |
| Dexmedetomidine | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 28 |
| Ketamine | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 21 |
Larger numbers indicate a more satisfactory impact on the nominated property. This is primarily a qualitative and relative assessment of the features and benefits of different drugs and drug classes, framed in general terms. Hence, the individual category scores and in particular scores shown in the ‘Total’ column are crude summaries that should not be over-interpreted and which do not necessarily reflect the net merits or demerits of particular agents in the circumstances of a particular patient.
PONV, postoperative nausea and vomiting; PVD, preservation of ventilatory drive.