Editing Rapid sequence induction (section)

==== Pretreatment ====
Pretreatment consists of the medications given to specific groups of high-risk patients 3 minutes before the paralysis stage with the aim of protecting the patient from the adverse effects of introducing the laryngoscope and endotracheal tube. Intubation causes increased [[Sympathetic nervous system|sympathetic]] activity, an increase in [[intracranial pressure]] and bronchospasm. Patients with [[reactive airway disease]], increased intracranial pressure, or cardiovascular disease may benefit from pretreatment. Two common medications used in the pretreatment of RSI include Lidocaine and Atropine. Lidocaine has the ability to suppress the cough reflex which in turn may mitigate increased intracranial pressure. For this reason Lidocaine is commonly used as a pretreatment for trauma patients who are suspected of already having an increase in intracranial pressure. Although there is not yet definitive evidence to support this, if proper dosing is used it is safe. The typical dose is 1.5&nbsp;mg/kg IV given three minutes prior to intubation.<ref name="pmid21719592">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hampton JP | title = Rapid-sequence intubation and the role of the emergency department pharmacist | journal = American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy | volume = 68 | issue = 14 | pages = 1320–30 | date = July 2011 | pmid = 21719592 | doi = 10.2146/ajhp100437 }}</ref> Atropine may also be used as a premedication agent in pediatrics to prevent bradycardia caused by hypoxia, laryngoscopy, and succinylcholine. Atropine is a parasympathetic blocker. The common premedication dose for atropine is 0.01–0.02&nbsp;mg/kg.