A new study finding that two antipsychotics were no more effective than placebo for delirium in critical illness spurs discussion about alternative methods for managing that care. Neither haloperidol nor ziprasidone — both antipsychotics — significantly alters the duration of delirium in critical illness, according to a new clinical trial published online October 22 in the New England Journal of Medicine. The trial randomized 566 patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) or shock and hypoactive or hyperactive delirium to receive intravenous boluses of haloperidol (maximum dose, 20 mg daily), ziprasidone (maximum dose, 40 mg daily), or placebo. The primary endpoint was days alive without delirium or coma (during the 14-day intervention period).

Read More