Which opioid is best for ventilated ICU patients? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT07224620

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 15, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study compares fentanyl and hydromorphone (Dilaudid) for sedating patients on mechanical ventilators in the ICU. About 300 adults will be randomly assigned to one of the two drugs. The main goal is to see if one leads to lower total opioid use. The results could help guide standard care for critically ill patients.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: fentanyl and hydromorphone (opioid painkillers)
What this could lead to: If one drug proves superior, it could become the preferred choice for sedating ventilated ICU patients, potentially improving outcomes and reducing opioid use.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study (300 patients) at a single hospital, so results may not apply broadly. Both drugs are already standard care, so no breakthrough is expected.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

agnosia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CRITICAL CARE, INTENSIVE CARE MECHANICAL VENTILATION SEDATION AND ANALGESIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

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