Dissociative anesthetic, used for induction agent for anesthesia,
analgesic for conscious sedation, premedication before induction of
anesthesia, sedative in critically ill.
Clinical effects: Increase catecholamine release & cholinergic
stimulation, causing bronchodilation, increased SVR, HR and
cardiac output. Tolerance with chronic administration
Dosing: 0.5-1 mg/kg. Infusions 1-2 mg/kg/hour
Onset & elimination: 1-2 minutes, duration of action 15
minutes. Elimination 3-6 hours
Precautions: can cause hallucinations, myotic jerking,
hypersalivation, increased cerebral blood flow.
o Avoid in patients with elevated ICP
o Can cause apnea in infantsE. α-2 Agonists
These analgesics are used for the management of acute and chronic
pain. They are also used to treat opioid-related withdrawal. They
typically do not cause respiratory depression and associated with few
withdrawal symptoms [2,13]^
- Clonidine [2,13]^