Assessment and Management of Pediatric Trauma
Module 6: Pediatric Trauma Analgesia and Sedation
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Anxiolysis: Commonly Used Medications

Drug Dosage Effects Duration Pros Cons
Midazolam (Versed)
  • PO: 0.25-0.5 mg/kg
  • PR: 0.25-0.5 mg/kg
  • IN: 0.2 mg/kg
  • IV: 0.1 mg/kg
Anxiolysis, amnesia, sedation/ hypnosis 45-60 min Commonly used for treatment of anxiety and agitation. Multiple routes. Rapid onset. Hemodynamically stable Hypoventilation, rare paradoxical reactions
Dexmedetomidine (Precedex)
  • Buccal: 1-2 MCG/kg
  • IN: 1-2 MCG/kg
Anxiolysis, sedation 40-135 min Multiple routes. No respiratory depression Bradycardia
Ketamine
  • PO: 5-8 mg/kg
  • IM: 4-5 mg/kg
  • IV: 1-2 mg/kg
Anxiolysis, sedation, analgesia 3 h (PO) Rapid onset. Multiple routes. Hemodynamically stable. No respiratory depression Salivation (consider co-administration with glycopyrrolate or atropine), hallucinations
Clonidine PO: 4 MCG/kg Anxiolysis 45-90 min Tasteless Bradycardia, hypotension
Module 6: Pediatric Trauma Analgesia and Sedation