Trends in the Use of Sedative-Hypnotics, Opioids, and Neuromuscular Blockers in Hospitalized Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observational Retrospective Study.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the use of drugs administered for mechanical ventilation, leading to shortages in some countries.

Objective: The aim was to identify trends in the consumption of sedatives, hypnotics, neuromuscular blockers, and opioids used for anesthetic induction and deep sedation in hospitals in Colombia.

Method: This was a descriptive, longitudinal, and retrospective study with monthly follow-up of sedative, hypnotic, opioid, and neuromuscular blocker dispensing in 20 clinics and hospitals from January to November 2020.