Agitation First-line IM Medications (adults)
(Updated February 2023)
Comments
The contents of the table are intended to guide treatment for adult patients with moderate to severe agitation, when IM administration is the most expeditious and safest way to achieve adequate sedation.
In mild or cooperative cases, a sublingual route or a secure IV administration may be considered.
Related drugs
Ketamine
Midazolam
References
ACEP Task Force Report on Hyperactive Delirium with Severe Agitation in Emergency Settings. Approved by the ACEP Board of Directors, June 23, 2021.
ACEP (Open Access)Zeller SL, Nordstrom KD, Wilson MP. The Diagnosis and Management of Agitation. 1st edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2017.
Cambridge University Press
Suggested additional reading
Perkins J, Ho JD, Vilke GM, DeMers G. American Academy of Emergency Medicine Position Statement: Safety of Droperidol Use in the Emergency Department. J Emerg Med. 2015;49(1):91-97. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2014.12.024
PubmedACEP Policy Statement. Use of Droperidol in the Emergency Department, 2021.
ACEP (Open Access)Wilson MP, Pepper D, Currier GW, Holloman GH Jr, Feifel D. The psychopharmacology of agitation: consensus statement of the american association for emergency psychiatry project Beta psychopharmacology workgroup. West J Emerg Med. 2012;13(1):26-34. doi:10.5811/westjem.2011.9.6866
Pubmed
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