Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Nervous System including autonomic and pain

H6 · Neuropharmacology

H6.i · Sedatives & Hypnotics

Official V5 objective
Understand the pharmacology of hypnotic and/or sedative drugs.
12 SAQ topics 16 SAQ appearances 16 VIVA stations

Written examination

SAQ history

16 appearances
Compare and contrast dexmedetomidine and ketamine
50%
Compare and contrast ketamine and midazolam.
62%
Compare and contrast the cardiovascular effects of an induction dose of Propofol and ketamine.
29%
Midazolam vs. Dexmedetomidine
2 exam appearances
Compare and contrast the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of midazolam and dexmedetomidine.
27%
Compare and contrast the pharmacology of midazolam and dexmedetomidine when used for sedation.
List the adverse properties of Propofol and Ketamine
30%
Compare and contrast the pharmacology of dexmedetomidine and propofol.
70%
Sedatives — Ideal Sedative
2 exam appearances
Describe the ideal sedative agent for an Intensive Care patient (50% of marks). How does midazolam compare to this (50% of marks)?
60%
Outline the pharmacological properties of an ideal agent for sedating patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in intensive care (50% of marks). Describe how propofol compares to the ‘ideal’ agent (50% of marks).
Sedatives — Midazolam
1 exam appearance
Describe the pharmacology of midazolam.
88%
Sedatives — Propofol
3 exam appearances
Describe the pharmacology of propofol
76%
Describe the pharmacology of propofol
60%
Describe the pharmacology of propofol.
Compare and contrast the pharmacology of propofol and midazolam.
77%
Fentanyl vs Ketamine
1 exam appearance
Compare and contrast fentanyl and ketamine using the following headings: a) mechanism of action (20% of marks), b) pharmacokinetics relevant to the intravenous administration in intensive care (40% of marks), c) pharmacodynamics and adverse effects (40% of marks).
51.8%
Compare and contrast the pharmacology of haloperidol and diazepam.
50%

Oral examination

VIVA history

16 stations

Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.