Induction Agents

Medication Weight-Based Dosing Time to Onset of Action Adverse Effects/Contraindications
Etomidate 0.3 mg/kg (TBW) <1 minute May cause clinically insignificant adrenal suppression.
Ketamine 1-2 mg/kg (IBW) 1-3 minutes May increase blood pressure. May cause hypersalivation.
Propofol 2 mg/kg (IBW+) <1 minute May cause hypotension. Cardiac depressant. Contraindicated in egg/soybean allergy
Midazolam 0.3 mg/kg (TBW) 1-5 minutes May cause hypotension

TBW: Total Body Weight, IBW: Ideal Body Weight, IBW+: IBW + 0.4 X (TBW-IBW)

Paralytics

Medication Weight-Based Dosing Time to Onset of Action Adverse Effects/Contraindications
Succinylcholine 1.5 – 2.0 mg/kg (TBW) 45-60 seconds Bradycardia. Malignant hyperthermia. Hyperkalemia.
Rocuronium 1.2 mg/kg (TBW) 45-60 seconds
Vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg (IBW) 2-4 minutes Questionable RSI utility when rocuronium available

Post-Intubation Sedation

Medication Weight-Based Dosing Notes
Midazolam 0.04-0.2 mg/kg/hr (TBW) Short duration, but with long-term use has long half-life. Often used with fentanyl
Propofol 5-80 mcg/kg/min (IBW+) Propofol Infusion Syndrome with long term use: monitor TG, amylase/lipase
Dexmedetomidine 0.2-0.7 mcg/kg/hr (TBW)
Ketamine 0.5-1 mg/kg/hr (IBW) May decrease bronchospasm
Fentanyl 1-2 mcg/kg bolus25-250 mcg/hr (TBW)

Read More

EM Updates: Resus Medication Dosing of Obese Patients

References

  • Greenwood, John C., ed. PressorDex. Irving, TX: Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association; 2013