A clear understanding of the pharmacology of sedating agents is essential in order to provide effective and safe sedation. The type and goal of the planned procedure and the desired depth of sedation should guide the selection of medications and dosages. Sedation practitioners should be trained and prepared to administer additional medications if necessary and should be knowledgeable in the expected effects of individual drugs and any synergistic effects of drug combinations. Practitioners should always be ready to rescue a sedated patient; there are some reversing agents and pharmacological antagonists available. Lastly, there are limited published pediatric data on most of the medications used to sedate children.