Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives for Critically Ill Adults Receiving Mechanical Ventilation (PROACTIVE): An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Surges in demand for sedatives for mechanical ventilation during the COVID-19 pandemic caused shortages of sedatives globally. Propranolol, a nonselective beta-adrenergic blocker, has been associated with reduced agitation and sedative needs in observational studies. We aimed to test whether propranolol could reduce the dose of sedatives needed in mechanically ventilated patients.

Design

Open-label randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Three academic hospitals.

Subjects

Any nonparalyzed patient receiving mechanical ventilation and requiring high-dose sedatives.

Interventions

Enteral propranolol 20-60 mg every 6 hours titrated to effect in the intervention group; all participants received protocol-titrated sedation with propofol or midazolam.

SUBMITTER: Downar J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11801419 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature