Tag: Intensive care

A single bolus dose of cisatracurium (e.g., 2 x ED95) typically has a clinical duration of action of approximately 45 minutes in healthy adults under opioid anesthesia. The precise time it takes for cisatracurium to wear off depends on the administered dose, infusion duration, and various patient-specific factors, but its organ-independent elimination is a key characteristic.

Burn injuries affecting more than 20% of the total body surface area (TBSA) trigger a massive inflammatory response, leading to significant fluid shifts and plasma loss. In these severe cases, understanding why is albumin given to burn patients is crucial for managing burn shock, a life-threatening condition caused by severe hypovolemia.

Precedex (dexmedetomidine) is a sedative and analgesic medication widely used in intensive care units (ICU) and for procedural sedation, valued for its unique ability to induce a state of calm without significant respiratory depression. Understanding whether PRECEDEX is a sedative or paralytic is crucial, as their mechanisms and clinical applications are fundamentally different. The key distinction lies in their targets: Precedex works on the central nervous system, while paralytics act on muscles.

As a first-line vasopressor for treating septic shock, norepinephrine drip is a critical medication in intensive care units, with guidelines from the Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommending it for patients with hypotension unresponsive to fluid resuscitation. This powerful drug constricts blood vessels to raise blood pressure and improve perfusion to vital organs. Understanding the multifaceted effects of a norepinephrine drip is crucial for appreciating its therapeutic benefits and managing its potential risks.

Approximately 70% of ICU patients experience delirium, making it a common and serious medical concern. When considering what is the best medication for delirium, experts emphasize that pharmacological options are primarily used to manage severe symptoms, such as agitation or hallucinations, and are not a cure for the underlying condition.

Cisatracurium, an intermediate-acting neuromuscular blocker, is commonly employed during surgery and in the intensive care unit to induce muscle paralysis. Its primary applications include facilitating tracheal intubation and providing skeletal muscle relaxation for mechanical ventilation.

Dexmedetomidine, the active ingredient sometimes informally referred to as 'dextomid', is primarily used to provide sedation for patients in intensive care units (ICU) and before and during medical procedures. Its unique mechanism allows patients to remain arousable while sedated, a key difference from other agents.

With the global increase in multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacterial infections, colistin has re-emerged as a crucial last-resort antibiotic. However, its widespread use has renewed concerns about its most significant adverse effect, nephrotoxicity, and understanding its mechanism is vital for safer clinical use.