Propofol: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Propofol?

What is Propofol for?

Propofol (Diprivan) is a drug with a function to slow down the activity of the brain and nervous system.

Propofol is used to help you relax before and during general anesthesia for surgery or other medical procedures. This medication is also used in critically ill patients who need a breathing tube connected to a ventilator (a machine that moves air into and out of the lungs when a person is unable to breathe on their own).

The propofol dosage and side effects of propofol are detailed below.

How to use Propofol?

Propofol is given as an injection through a needle into a vein. You will receive these injections in a hospital or under surgical conditions.

You will relax and fall asleep quickly after the injection of propofol.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function and other vital signs will be closely monitored while you are under the influence of propofol.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is Propofol stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Rules for Use of Propofol

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Propofol for adults?

Usual Adult Dose for Anesthesia:

Less than 55 years: Induction anesthesia: 40 mg IV every 10 seconds until induction onset. The total dose required is 2 to 2.5 mg / kg with a maximum of 250 mg.

Less than 55 years: Maintenance Anesthesia: IV infusion: 100 to 200 mcg / kg / minute. The maximum dose is 20,000 mcg / minute. The maximum dose is 10,000 mcg / minute.

Intermittent bolus: 20 to 50 mg as needed.

Cardiac anesthetic: Induction: 20 mg every 10 seconds until initial induction (0.5 to 1.5 mg / kg).

Maintenance: Opioids are generally combined with propofol for maintenance of anesthesia.

100 to 150 mcg / kg / min (primary propofol)

50 to 100 mcg / kg / min (secondary propofol).

The maximum dose is 15,000 mcg / minute.

Neurosurgery: Induction: 20 mg every 10 seconds until initial induction (1 to 2 mg / kg).

Maintenance: 100 to 200 mcg / kg / minute with a maximum dose of 20,000 mcg / minute.

Intermittent IV boluses of 0.3-0.7 mg / kg mg can be given for maintenance of nitrous oxide current anesthesia.

ICU anesthesia: Initial continuous IV: 5 mcg / kg / min for intubated mechanically ventilated patients.

Continuous IV maintenance: Can increase in 5 to 10 mcg / kg / minute increments every 5 minutes until the desired level of anesthesia is reached. The typical maintenance range is 5 to 50 mcg / kg / min.

Use of a bolus of 10 to 20 mg should only be used to rapidly increase the depth of anesthesia in patients where hypotension is unlikely.

MAC anesthesia: Initial continuous IV: 100 to 150 mcg / kg / minute for 3 to 5 minutes or

Slow IV: 0.5 mg / kg over 3 to 5 minutes followed by:

Maintenance IV infusion: 25-75 mcg / kg / min (recommended) or

additional bolus of 10 to 20 mg.

Usual Elderly Dosage for Anesthesia:

Elderly, frail people, or ASA III / IV patients.

Induction: 20 mg every 10 seconds until the onset of induction (1-1.5 mg / kg). The maximum dose is 200 mg

Maintenance: 50-100 mcg / kg / min.

MAC anesthesia: The maintenance dose is usually 80% of the usual adult dose.

What is the dosage of Propofol for children?

Usual Children's Dose for Anesthesia:

3 years to 16 years: Induction: 2.5-3.5 mg / kg for 20 to 30 seconds.

Maintenance: 125-300 mcg / kg / min.

In what dosage is Propofol available?

Injection: 1% (10 mg / mL)

Propofol dosage

What side effects can be experienced due to Propofol?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: nausea, vomiting, sweating, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or feel like you might pass out.

Call your doctor if you have any of the following serious side effects:

• Pain, swelling, blisters, or skin changes where the medicine was injected
• Seizures
• Weak or shallow breathing
• Heart rate fast or slow

Less serious side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Cough
• Slight burning or stinging around the IV needle
• Mild itching or skin rash
• Numbness or tingling feeling
• Confusion, agitation, restlessness
• Muscle ache
• Urine color, change

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Propofol side effects

What should be known before using Propofol?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to propofol: hives; hard to breath; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your nurse right away if you have:

• Feeling lightheaded (like you might pass out) even after feeling awake
• Weak or shallow breathing
• Severe pain or discomfort where the injection was given

Common side effects of propofol can include:

• Mild itching or rash
• Slow or fast heart rate or
• There is a slight burning or stinging around the IV needle

Is Propofol safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = No risk, B = not at risk in several studies, C = May be risky, D = There is positive evidence of risk, X = Contraindicated, N = Unknown

Studies in women show that this drug poses minimal risk to the baby when used during breastfeeding.

Propofol Drug Warnings and Cautions

What medicines may interact with Propofol?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Using other medicines that make you drowsy or slow your breathing can worsen the effect. After you have used propofol, check with your doctor before taking sleeping pills, narcotic pain medications, muscle relaxers, or medications for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with this drug, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you are using now and medicines that you will start using or stop using.

Can food or alcohol interact with Propofol?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Propofol?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems

Propofol Drug Interactions

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

If you are going to be injecting Propofol yourself at home, talk to your doctor about what you should do if you forget to inject a dose.