Propofol
Description
Propofol is a short acting general anesthetic used for inducing and maintaining unconsciousness or sleep during surgical procedures and some medical exams. It should only be administered by a trained healthcare professional. This medicine is not recommended for use in children less than 3 years of age.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Propofol
- Hypersensitivity
- Irregular heartbeat
- Decreased heartbeat
- Hypotension
- Combativeness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain at injection site
- Headache
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Difficulty in breathing
- Kidney failure
- Injection site Thrombophlebitis
Uses of Propofol
What is it prescribed for?
- Anesthesia
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 35 to 40 seconds of administration of the dose.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 3 to 15 minutes depending on the dose and the rate of infusion.
- Safe with alcohol?Alcohol should not be consumed prior to or after receiving this medicine since it may increase the risk of severe side effects such as respiratory depression, low blood pressure, dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before receiving this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to propofol or any other components present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before receiving this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
General warnings
Labor and delivery
This medicine is not recommended for use during procedures associated with labor and delivery.
Drowsiness
This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery after treatment with this medicine.
Hypotension
Patients undergoing anesthesia with Propofol should be monitored closely for early signs of severe hypotension and/or cardiac depression. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Interindividual variability
This medication may show a wide interpatient variability in its effects, similar to other sedative medications. This may warrant changes in dosage requirements.
Allergies to eggs or egg products, soy or soy products
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients who are allergic to egg, egg products, soy, or soy products.
Other Medicines
This medicine may interact with many other medicines and may cause severe side effects. It is advised to inform the doctor about all your current medicines including herbs and supplements before undergoing treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Since this medicine is administered before and during a surgical procedure by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Overdose
Since this medicine is administered in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Alcohol should not be consumed prior to or after receiving this medicine since it may increase the risk of severe side effects such as respiratory depression, low blood pressure, dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.
Interaction with Medicine
Amiodarone
Selegiline
Alprazolam
Isocarboxazid
Sodium oxybate
Phenelzine
Disease interactions
Cardiovascular disorders
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders due to the increased risk of severe hypotension and/or cardiovascular depression. Close monitoring of heart function is recommended for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Hyperlipidemia
Since Propofol injection/infusion is an oil-in-water formulation, it may worsen the condition of hyperlipidemic patients. Close monitoring of lipid profile is advised for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Renal Dysfunction
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from renal dysfunction due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of renal function is recommended for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Seizures
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizures due to the increased risk of recurrent seizure episodes. Close monitoring of such patients for any signs or symptoms of seizures is recommended. Appropriate corrective measures may be required based on the clinical condition.
Zinc deficiency
Prolonged therapy with Propofol may cause a zinc deficiency. Hence, close monitoring of zinc levels and zinc supplementation as needed is advised in patients who are at an increased risk of zinc deficiency such as those suffering from burns, diarrhea, or sepsis.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Propofol injection should only be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Carefully follow all the instructions given by your doctor/healthcare professional. It is advised that you inform the doctor about all your current medicines and medical conditions before undergoing treatment with this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Propofol works by altering the action of certain natural substances, which in turn induces unconsciousness and sedation.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Sedative hypnotics
Schedule
Schedule H
DIPRIVAN- propofol injection, emulsion [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 1 September 2017]. Available from:
Propofol - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 1 September 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 1 September 2017]. Available from:
Propofol [Internet]. Snomedbrowser.com. 2017 [cited 1 September 2017]. Available from:
Toxnet [Internet]. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 1 September 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. Genome.jp. 2017 [cited 1 September 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 5 Sep 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.