Ability to reverse deeper levels of unintended sedation.

During gastrointestinal endoscopy, patients may reach a level of sedation that is deeper (i.e. deep sedation) than intended to be (i.e. moderate sedation). In such cases the ability to restore respiratory and cardiovascular function is critical. Supportive measures should be combined with administration of specific pharmacologic antagonists in cases of imminent ventilatory failure. Naloxone rapidly reverses sedation and respiratory depression due to previously administered narcotics, whereas flumazenil overturns the effects of midazolam on the central nervous system. Both agents are administered intravenously in repeated doses according to the patient's response. Caution, however, is required, as the half-lives of these reversal agents are shorter than those of the respective agonists and re-sedation may occur. Acute withdrawal syndromes may take place in chronic users of opiates or benzodiazepine. Product monographs along with administration protocols may be demonstrated as a wall chart, to ascertain their safe and effective use in endoscopy units. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.