Paralyzation and sedation of the ventilated patient

The selection of pharmacologic agents for the sedation and paralysis of critically ill patients should be based on clinical and pharmacoeconomic trials in this patient population. There is a need for the design and evaluation of cost-effective regimens, especially with the continued development and release of newer agents. Additionally, clinicians must continue to be sensitive to the monitoring techniques of sedation and paralysis to ensure maximal clinical benefit while minimizing the adverse effect profile of pharmacologic agents.