Publication:

Comparison of different induction agents used for rapid sequence intubation

Securing the airway is the first step that clinicians take care of for clinically unstable patients. Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) has been reported by many clinicians to effectively achieve this. Many agents have been reported in the literature as effective induction agents for RSI. In this literature review, we have discussed the efficacies of the different induction agents that are commonly reported in the literature for RSI. Furthermore, RSI is done by paralytic and sedative agents that rapidly render the patient flaccid and unconscious to facilitate the emergent approaches to achieve successful tracheal intubation and minimize adverse events. We have discussed the efficacies and adverse events of benzodiazepines and barbiturates, ketamine, propofol, and etomidate. Each of these modalities has its advantages and adverse events, and clinicians should choose what is best for their patients based on the aforementioned discussion for each drug modality. We recommend that further investigations might be needed for further optimization of the induction agent and the relevant doses.