Common drugs used in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to treat critically ill patients.pdf

Dr. Adenwali Hassan Ahmed
CMNs, medical Doctor, Obstetrics & gynecology
Dr. Adenwali Hassan Ahmed
CMNs, medical Doctor, Obstetrics & gynecology

1. Intensive Care Unit
Common drugs used in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to treat critically ill patients:

1. Sedatives and Anxiolytics:
 Propofol – Short-acting anesthetic used for sedation.
 Midazolam – Benzodiazepine used for sedation, anxiety, and seizure management.
 Lorazepam – Another benzodiazepine for sedation and anxiety.
2. Analgesics (Pain Relievers):
 Fentanyl – Opioid used for severe pain relief.
 Morphine – Strong opioid for pain management.
 Hydromorphone – Another opioid analgesic used for severe pain.
3. Vasopressors (For blood pressure support):
 Norepinephrine – Increases blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.
 Dopamine – Used for shock, supports heart function and blood pressure.
 Vasopressin – Hormone used to raise blood pressure in cases of septic shock.
4. Inotropes (For heart function support):
 Dobutamine – Used to increase heart contractility and cardiac output.
 Milrinone – Used in heart failure to increase heart pumping ability and reduce
workload.
5. Antibiotics:
 Piperacillin-tazobactam – Broad-spectrum antibiotic.
 Vancomycin – Antibiotic used for gram-positive bacterial infections.
 Meropenem – Broad-spectrum antibiotic used for severe infections.
6. Anticoagulants:
 Heparin – Used to prevent blood clot formation.
 Enoxaparin – Low molecular weight heparin, also for clot prevention.
7. Diuretics:
 Furosemide – Used to reduce fluid buildup, especially in cases of heart failure or
kidney failure.
 Spironolactone – Used as a potassium-sparing diuretic.

2. 8. Electrolytes and Fluids:
 Normal saline – Common intravenous fluid to maintain hydration and blood
pressure.
 Lactated Ringer’s – A balanced electrolyte solution used for fluid replacement.
 Potassium chloride – Corrects potassium deficiencies.
9. Anticonvulsants:
 Levetiracetam – Antiepileptic drug used to prevent seizures.
 Phenytoin – Another anticonvulsant used for seizure management.
10. Corticosteroids:
 Methylprednisolone – Used for inflammation, shock, and respiratory distress.
 Dexamethasone – Often used for severe inflammation and to reduce swelling.
11. Neuromuscular Blockers:
 Vecuronium – Used for muscle relaxation during mechanical ventilation.
 Rocuronium – Another muscle relaxant used in intubation and surgery.

 These medications help manage vital functions like pain, blood pressure,
heart function, and infections, ensuring that critically ill patients receive the
necessary support for recovery.







By: Dr. Adenwali