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Drugs used in an intensive care unit

Drugs are an essential part of the care provided in an ICU. The amount and type of drugs given to a patient will vary according to their condition and progress. ICU staff will explain your loved one's individual needs.

Drugs to stop the pain

Analgesics are commonly known as painkillers. The types of analgesics used in an ICU are powerful. They can make a conscious patient drowsy.

Drugs to keep a patient rested

Sedatives are used to keep a patient in a deep sleep or in smaller doses to keep a conscious patient calm. This makes them more tolerant of the tubes and equipment attached to them. Some sedatives cause patients to lose their short-term memory temporarily.

Drugs to keep a patient still

Sometimes additional drugs are given to a sedated patient to stop any muscle movement and allow them to be attached more comfortably to breathing equipment. These drugs make a conscious patient seem unresponsive because the drugs prevent them from making facial expressions or moving their,, hands.

Drugs to help a patient's heart work more effectively

Inotropes are a group of powerful drugs (adrenaline noradrenaline dobutamine and dopamine) that help to make the heart work more effectively. They also maintain a patient's blood pressure.

content

Emergency admission
ICU and what to expect
Visiting an ICU
ICU equipment
staff in ICU
Operations
Drugs in ICU
Practicalities when visiting
Waiting for loved ones recovery
If a patient dies
Transfer of recovering patients
Long-term issues
Sources of help

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