Clinical PracticeNews

Antipsychotics best for quick ED sedation

Severely agitated emergency department patients are best sedated with a combination of antipsychotic drugs, a study has found.

Droperidol or olanzapine in combination with midazolam is fast and effective in sedating aggressive patients and they are less likely to require re-sedation, according to researchers from the Monash University, Austin Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital and St Vincentā€™s.

ā€œThis drug combination is safe, fast and inexpensive and we found no negative effect,ā€ said Professor David Taylor from the emergency department (ED) at Austin Health. ā€œThe findings underscore the need for rapid and lasting sedating regimens in the ED.ā€

The study involved 336 adult patients with acute agitation requiring intravenous sedation in three Australian EDs.

ā€œAgitation and aggression are frequently observed in patients admitted to the emergency department as a result of mental illness or drug or alcohol intoxication,ā€ said Dr David Kong, from the Centre for Medicine Use and Safety. ā€œWe have compared three commonly used drug regimens in order to evaluate their safety and efficacy for the sedation of acutely agitated patients.

ā€œMore effective management of acute agitation could significantly reduce stress and maximise the safety of both the patients and health professionals.ā€

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