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Tools, Techniques, and Medications for Procedural Sedation in Children

Haroon M Ali1, Lisa Wolff2, Sana J Said2

  • 1Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Pediatric Annals
|January 2, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Developing a comprehensive procedural sedation plan for children involves combining nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic tools. This overview details common methods to enhance pediatric procedural sedation safety and effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Anesthesiology

Background:

  • Safe and effective procedural sedation in children necessitates tailored plans considering procedural needs and individual patient factors.
  • A combination of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic strategies is frequently required for optimal sedation outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a high-level overview of commonly used tools for pediatric procedural sedation.
  • To guide practitioners in developing or enhancing their procedural sedation skills.

Main Methods:

  • Review of nonpharmacologic tools including preparatory techniques, distraction modalities, nonpharmacologic analgesia, and comfort positions.
  • Overview of common pharmacologic agents, adjuncts, and their combinations used in pediatric sedation.

Main Results:

  • Highlights practical applications and nuances of various sedation tools.
  • Emphasizes the importance of a multimodal approach in pediatric procedural sedation.

Conclusions:

  • Effective procedural sedation in children relies on a comprehensive, individualized plan utilizing a range of tools.
  • This resource aids practitioners in understanding and implementing diverse pediatric sedation strategies.

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