Anesthetics, sedatives, and paralytics. Understanding their use in the intensive care unit.

This article reviews the use of inhalational, intravenous, and epidural agents used in the operating room and ICU. An emphasis is placed on the rationale for their selection. Additionally, the side effects and expected complications are discussed. By developing expertise with one's own repertoire of sedatives, narcotics, and neuromuscular blocking agents, one may decrease postoperative complications and lengths of stay.