The cost of sedating and paralyzing the critically ill patient.

The cost of health care is consuming an ever-increasing amount of United State's gross domestic product. It is estimated that 15% of health care dollars are spent in the ICU. Drugs used in the ICU account for approximately 10 to 15% of costs. Many of the sedatives, analgesics, and neuromuscular blocking agents have high acquisition and indirect costs. Educating ICU practitioners on cost issues and key indications for these drugs not only may help with cost containment in the ICU but also can improve patient care.