Parenteral Sedation
Sedation achieved by administering drugs via routes that bypass the gastrointestinal tract, including intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous routes.
Full Definition
Parenteral sedation refers to drug delivery by any route that does not involve GI absorption, with intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) routes being most common in dental anesthesiology. IV administration provides rapid, titratable onset and is the gold standard for deep sedation and general anesthesia in the dental operatory. IM routes are often used in pediatric or uncooperative patients for induction agents such as ketamine. Documentation of parenteral sedation must record the agent, concentration, volume, route, injection site, time, and the patient's response at each titration step. Regulatory requirements for parenteral sedation permits are more stringent than those for enteral routes, reflecting the increased risk and reduced margin for error.
Usage
Usage note: Not synonymous with 'intravenous sedation' alone; IM and subcutaneous routes are also parenteral.
In Context
- "The parenteral sedation log recorded IV midazolam 2 mg administered at 09:14." — Anesthesia time record
- "A parenteral sedation permit requires documentation of advanced airway management training." — State dental board permit application