Chemical agents for the sedation of agitated patients in the ED: a systematic review

Reference

Korczak, V., Kirby, A., & Gunja, N. (2016). Chemical agents for the sedation of agitated patients in the ED: a systematic review. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.09.025

Conclusion

Combination therapy sedated a greater proportion of patients at 15-20 minutes than benzodiazepines alone. Antipsychotics and combination therapy were more effective, requiring less repeat doses for sedation than benzodiazepines. The risk of any adverse event was higher with benzodiazepines.