procedural sedation

anesthesia

Also known as: conscious sedation

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July 21, 2026

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Procedural sedation, also known as conscious sedation, is a state of reduced consciousness induced by a sedative drug, such as propofol. This allows patients to undergo medical procedures with minimal discomfort.

At lower doses, propofol acts as a conscious sedative, inducing a semiconscious state where the effects set in and wear off quickly. This makes it effective for mild sedation in outpatient surgeries. At higher doses, propofol is used to induce and maintain general anesthesia, causing a loss of consciousness for major surgeries. While generally safe, propofol can have side effects and interact with other medications, potentially leading to serious complications.1

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anesthetic
General anesthetics
…as conscious sedation (also called procedural sedation). This semiconscious or drowsy state can be induced when the drugs are administered in relatively small doses. Conscious sedation typically is used for outpatient diagnostic or minor surgical procedures, such as dental procedures, laceration repair, or endoscopy. Examples of drugs used for procedural…
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…as conscious sedation (also called procedural sedation). This semiconscious or drowsy state can be induced when the drugs are administered in relatively small doses. Conscious sedation typically is used for outpatient diagnostic or minor surgical procedures, such as dental procedures, laceration repair, or endoscopy. Examples of drugs used for procedural…
Read More