Rapid Sequence Intubation Medications

Induction Agents

Medication Weight-Based Dosing Time to Onset of Action Adverse Effects/

Contraindications

Etomidate 0.3 mg/kg <1 minute May cause clinically insignificant adrenal suppression.
Ketamine 1-2 mg/kg 1-3 minutes May increase blood pressure. May cause hypersalivation.
Propofol 2 mg/kg <1 minute May cause hypotension. Cardiac depressant. Contraindicated in egg/soybean allergy
Midazolam 0.3 mg/kg 1-5 minutes May cause hypotension

Paralytics

Medication Weight-Based Dosing Time to Onset of Action Adverse Effects/

Contraindications

Succinylcholine 1.5 – 2.0 mg/kg 45-60 seconds Bradycardia. Malignant hyperthermia. Hyperkalemia.
Rocuronium 1.2 mg/kg 45-60 seconds
Vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg 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 Short duration, but with long-term use has long half-life. Often used with fentanyl
Propofol 5-80 mcg/kg/min Propofol Infusion Syndrome with long term use: monitor TG, amylase/lipase
Dexmedetomidine 0.2-0.7 mcg/kg/hr
Ketamine 0.5-1 mg/kg/hr May decrease bronchospasm
Fentanyl 1-2 mcg/kg bolus25-250 mcg/hr

 

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EMKF

Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation (EMKF) is a not-for-profit (NGO) public benefit organisation registered in Kenya