The main drugs used for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in Canada, primarily administered intravenously, are:
- Midazolam: A benzodiazepine that acts as a sedative and anxiolytic to relax the patient and induce sleep.
- Propofol: A powerful anesthetic that induces a deep coma-like sleep.
- Rocuronium: A neuromuscular blocking agent that causes paralysis of the respiratory muscles, leading to death by respiratory arrest.
Other drugs sometimes used include lidocaine to reduce vein irritation, cisatracurium as an alternative paralytic, and rarely bupivacaine to stop the heart. The process typically lasts 10-15 minutes. These medications are chosen for their effectiveness in creating a peaceful and dignified death, with intravenous administration preferred for immediate and reliable action.
For oral self-administration (less common in Canada), secobarbital is used, known for its rapid onset of sleep and respiratory arrest.
This protocol is regulated under Canadian law with strict guidelines on who can administer these medications and under what circumstances.
