Sedation in endoscopy: Finding the balance between safety and efficacy

Table 1 This table summarizes the key characteristics of each sedative agent

Sedative agent	Overview	Onset of action	Duration of action	Adverse effects	Reversal agent	Key advantage	Key disadvantage
Benzodiazepines	Commonly utilized for sedation	Rapid	Short	RD	Flumazenil	Effective sedation, amnestic properties	Risk of RD
Opioids	Analgesic and sedative effects	Faster than meperidine	Shorter than meperidine	RD, bradycardia, hypotension	Naloxone	High potency	High risk of SAE
Propofol	Stands out for quick recovery	Prompt	Short	Cardiopulmonary complications, narrow therapeutic window	None available	Superior satisfaction, low safety concerns, quick recovery	Require careful titration, potential for SAE
Remimazolam	Short acting benzodiazepines	Rapid	Very short	Nausea, vertigo, prolonged recovery	None available	Water soluble, high success rates	Potential for SAE

RD: Respiratory depression; SAE: Serious adverse effects.