Moderate Sedation in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Moderate sedation is medicine given during a procedure or treatment to help your child feel relaxed and calm. It may also be given to help decrease your child's movement during a procedure or treatment.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your child cannot be woken.
- Your child has trouble breathing.
Return to the emergency department if:
- Your child has a severe headache or dizziness, or cries constantly.
- Your child's heart is beating faster than usual.
Call your child's doctor if:
- Your child has a fever or chills.
- Your child has nausea or is vomiting for longer than 8 hours after the procedure.
- Your child's skin is itchy, swollen, or he or she has a rash.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Care for your child:
Do the following for the first 24 hours after your child received sedation, or for as long as directed:
- Watch your child closely. Do not leave your child alone in the bath or shower. Do not let your child cook, use appliances, or play outside unless you are watching him or her.
- Limit your child's activity to prevent accidents. Have your child lie on the couch or rest quietly. Walk with your child to the bathroom. Do not let your child play sports or do vigorous activity. Do not let your child ride a bike, swim, play on swing sets, or play on jungle gyms. Your child can slowly start to return to his or her normal activities.
- Feed your child slowly to prevent nausea and vomiting. If your child is younger than 1 year, feed him or her half of the usual feeding 1 hour after sedation. Wait 2 hours after sedation to feed your older child. Start with clear liquids such as cranberry juice or ginger-ale. If your child does not vomit after clear liquids, start giving your child his or her usual foods.
- Give your child more liquid than usual. Liquids help flush the medicine out of his or her body. Ask how much liquid to give your child and which liquids are best for him or her. Wait until your child can drink liquid without vomiting. Then give your child small sips of liquid often. Your child should work up to drinking larger amounts of liquid.
Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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