Update on pharmacological management of procedural sedation for children

Purpose of review The review provides an update on pharmacological techniques for procedural sedation for children outside the operating room. Recent findings An increasing number of studies of propofol, ketamine, nitrous oxide, dexmedetomidine, and intranasal administration of drugs for procedural sedation of children continue to be reported. Summary Propofol and ketamine are commonly used for procedural sedation in children and the use of dexmedetomidine and nitrous oxide is increasing. Although the intravenous route remains the mainstay; intranasal drug administration is increasingly used for anxiolysis and moderate sedation.