[Scrubz]

Is Propofol used on vented patients? Since the half-life of Propofol is so short wouldn't it be more justified using a longer activing sedative? I assume that Propofol isn't used for long-term vented pts right? Maybe just initially?

I'm still in school so I have no experience with any of this other than what I hear or see, so thanks for any responses. I was just curious.

[Noryn]

Yes it is used for short term sedation for ventilated patients. The half life is very short so the pt receives a continuous IV drip. It does wear off fast.

It depends on how long term you are talking (2 weeks or years) but generally if you are intubated orally or nasally for longer than 2 weeks they put a trach in. Once they put a trach in as long as your condition is stablized or improving they will cut the sedation off.

[WolfpackRed]

The "beauty" of propofol is the short half-life and the rapid onset. So, if a pt needs a sedation vacation, he comes off quick and if the pt fights too much can be put down quickly.

[meandragonbrett]

Pretty much we use propofol exclusively. It's a great drug when used properly. And the short half-life is one of the properties that make it excellent for sedation in the unit.

[Scrubz]

Thanks

[cookielady,rn]

some docs will use versed for patients who aren't coming off the vent any time soon. Vitamin D is your best friend in the ICU though. It takes a massive amount of it to max out on dosage as well. I've noticed a lot of docs don't place people on any pain meds when sedated, and propofol doesn't do anything for pain. I need to find research on this cause it often falls on deaf ears.

[meandragonbrett]

Vitamin D? Are you refering to diazepam? Dilaudid? demerol?

[oMerMero]

I am assuming Vitamin D is diprivan which is propofol, although I have not heard that before.

[cardiacRN2006]

We use Propofol all the time, and I love it! We use it with Fentanyl for a lovely combo.

I prefer Propofol for all the reasons listed above. If things get hairy, I can quickly titrate up, and if they need a quick sedation vacation, then it goes off.

Never heard of it being called Vitamin D...

[WolfpackRed]

best name-"milk of amnesia"