Medications used in the NICU

Analgesia (Painkillers)

Sucrose can be given to neonates for procedures that are considered painful or upsetting. Sometimes morphine or paracetamol are used during medical procedures.

 

Antibiotics

These are used to treat infections. Most medications are administered in liquid form through a drip and are not painful.

 

Caffeine

Caffeine is given intravenously or through the feeding tube to stimulate breathing.

 

Diuretics

Diuretics are drugs that help get rid of excess fluid ie Lasix, chlorothiazide, spironolactone.

 

Surfactant

Curosurf is given into the lungs through the breathing tube to make breathing easier.

 

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is necessary in the production of blood clotting factors, which prevent bleeding. All babies are given Vitamin K at birth and it is injected into the muscle of the thigh or rarely can be given orally.