Drug name

Class

Benefits

Contraindications

Notes

Dose

Etomidate

Imidazole derivative

Excellent sedation with little hypotension

Known to suppress adrenal cortisol production

Use cautiously if patient has sepsis; initial dose of glucocorticoid may be needed

0.3 mg/kg

Ketamine

Phencyclidine derivative, dissociative anesthetic

Stimulates catecholamine release Bronchodilation

Use in patients with elevated ICP or elevated blood pressure is controversial

May be an excellent induction agent for patients with bronchospasm, septic shock, AND hemodynamic compromise

1 to 2 mg/kg

Midazolam

Benzodiazepines

Potent dose- related amnesic properties

Dose-related myocardial depression can result in hypotension

Frequently underdosed

0.2 to 0.3 mg/kg

Propofol

Alkylphenol derivative

Bronchodilation

No absolute contraindications Dose-related hypotension

1.5 to 3 mg/kg

Thiopental sodium

Ultrashort- acting barbiturate

Cerebroprotective and anti- convulsive properties

Potent venodilator and myocardial depressant; can cause hypotension Relatively contraindicated in reactive airway disease due to histamine release

May not be commercially available. Rarely used.

3 to 5 mg/kg