Safe use of inhaled sedation in critically ill patients with invasive mechanical ventilation.

Inhaled sedation uses halogenated drugs (isoflurane and sevoflurane) in a liquid state that, through a vaporizer, change to a gaseous state and reach the patient by the respiratory route. These drugs have a rapid onset of action, with minimal metabolism and elimination takes place almost exclusively through the airways. They do not cause significant tolerance, tachyphylaxis or significant abstinence.