FDA Studies Limits on Sedative Versed

The Food and Drug Administration said Friday it will consider a request to restrict use of the intravenous sedative Versed, which has been linked to several deaths.

But an agency spokeswoman said the FDA believes new warnings accompanying the drug are effective in preventing its misuse.

Versed is widely used for so-called conscious sedation for many diagnostic procedures such as cardiac catheterization. It also is used in larger doses in operating rooms where full anesthesia is required.

Public Citizen Health Research Group petitioned the FDA on Friday to state that Versed should not be used on people 60 years of age or older for conscious or unconscious sedation, and should not be used on anyone for conscious sedation.