Sedation and analgesia in the critically ill

Authors

• Emily Bergbower, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA; Spectrum Healthcare Partners, South Portland, ME, USA; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
• Sophia Bechek, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA; Spectrum Healthcare Partners, South Portland, ME, USA; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2026

Institution/Department

Anesthesiology

Journal Title

Best practice & research. Clinical anaesthesiology

MeSH Headings

Humans; Critical Illness (therapy); Hypnotics and Sedatives (administration & dosage); Analgesia (methods); Respiration, Artificial (methods); Pain Management (methods); Dexmedetomidine (administration & dosage); Procedural Sedation (methods); Critical Care (methods); Intensive Care Units; Analgesics (administration & dosage)

Abstract

Pain management and sedation for critically ill patients remain areas of active interest and debate among intensivists. We review the foundational literature behind practices now considered the standard of care, including a systematic approach to target light sedation as well as the avoidance of benzodiazepine use. These approaches facilitate earlier liberation from mechanical ventilation, shorten intensive care unit length of stay, and reduce delirium. We also discuss the relative merits of dexmedetomidine versus propofol, analgesia-first sedation protocols, emerging medications and areas for future investigation.

First Page

3

Last Page

11

Recommended Citation

Bergbower, Emily and Bechek, Sophia, "Sedation and analgesia in the critically ill" (2026). MaineHealth Maine Medical Center. 4637.
https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/mmc/4637