ABSTRACT
What is a sedative? How do a sedative, an anxiolytic and an anaesthetic differ? What are the indications for sedatives in the acute setting? What classes of sedatives are there and what is their action? What sedatives are used in the ITU setting? What sedative regimen would you use for minor procedures such as a small fracture manipulation not requiring an anaesthetic? What types of sedative reversal are there? What are the complications of sedative use? Should analgesia be withheld before initial examination of the acute abdomen?
