Skip to main content
Sign inSign up

ADSA Society

Logo
IssuesFor AuthorsAdvertisingNewsHelp

ADSA Society

Article Contents

  • CHLORAL HYDRATE
  • BENZODIAZEPINES
  • OPIOIDS
  • ANTIHISTAMINES
  • ALPHA-2 AGONISTS
  • MISCELLANEOUS
  • CONCLUSION
  • REFERENCES
  • CONTINUING EDUCATION QUESTIONS
Save
Download PDF

The administration of oral sedatives for minimal and moderate sedation is common practice for pediatric dentistry. Being up to date with contemporary medications and dosing recommendations is imperative for patient safety. Historic medications such as chloral hydrate have become obsolete with the introduction of benzodiazepines and other newer medications such as alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. Oral opioids are useful for analgesia and mild sedation but may result in significant respiratory depression when combined with other central nervous system depressants and, if left untreated, hypoxemia. Antihistamines can provide minimal sedation but may have other added benefits such as antiemetic and antisialagogue effects. This review will discuss relevant pharmacologic aspects, including onset, duration of action, metabolism, and adverse reactions, for several common agents used for minimal and moderate oral sedation to assist practitioners in determining ideal medications or combinations that fit the needs of the pediatric patient and dental procedure contingent upon the provider’s level of training.

Keywords: Pediatric oral sedation; Sedation dentistry; Chloral hydrate; Benzodiazepines; Opioids; Antihistamines; Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists; Dexmedetomidine; Zolpidem; Melatonin
  • Download PDF
Copyright: © 2023 by the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
Citations

Get Email Alerts

Article Contents
ANPR logo
AboutIssuesAuthor InformationSubscriptions

ADSA Society

eISSN: 1878-7177

ISSN: 0003-3006

Powered by PubFactory