Propofol (Diprivan) slows the activity of your brain and nervous system.
Propofol is used to help you relax before and during general anesthesia for surgery or other medical procedures. It is also used in critically ill patients who require a breathing tube connected to a ventilator (a machine that moves air in and out of the lungs when a person cannot breathe on their own).
Important information
Before you receive propofol, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies. Also make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. In some cases, you may not be able to use propofol.
Before receiving this medicine
You should not receive propofol if you are allergic to it.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
FDA pregnancy category B. Propofol is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Propofol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How is propofol given?
Propofol is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a hospital or surgical setting.
You will relax and fall asleep very quickly after propofol is injected.
Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are under the effects of propofol.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since propofol is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid after receiving propofol?
Propofol can cause severe drowsiness or dizziness, which may last for several hours. You will need someone to drive you home after your surgery or procedure. Do not drive yourself or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert for at least 24 hours after you have been treated with propofol.
Propofol side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to propofol: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your caregiver right away if you have:
-
a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out) even after feeling awake;
-
weak or shallow breathing; or
-
severe pain or discomfort where the injection is given.
Common propofol side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
Propofol dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Anesthesia:
Less than 55 years: Anesthetic Induction: 40 mg IV every 10 seconds until induction onset. Total dose required is 2 to 2.5 mg/kg with a maximum of 250 mg.
Less than 55 years: Maintenance of Anesthesia: IV infusion: 100 to 200 mcg/kg/min. Maximum dose 20,000 mcg/min. Maximum dose 10,000 mcg/min.
Intermittent bolus: 20 to 50 mg as needed.
Cardiac Anesthesia: Induction: 20 mg every 10 seconds until induction onset (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).
Maximum dose of 15,000 mcg/min.
Neurosurgery: Induction: 20 mg every 10 seconds until induction onset (1 to 2 mg/kg).
Maintenance: 100 to 200 mcg/kg/min with a maximum dose of 20,000 mcg/min.
Intermittent IV bolus doses of 0.3 to 0.7 mg/kg mg may be given for maintenance of anesthesia while on nitrous oxide.
ICU Sedation: Initial Continuous IV: 5 mcg/kg/min for intubated mechanically ventilated patients.
Maintenance Continuous IV: May increase in 5 to 10 mcg/kg/min increments every 5 minutes until the desired level of sedation is achieved. Typical maintenance range is 5 to 50 mcg/kg/min.
Bolus administration of 10 to 20 mg should only be used to rapidly increase depth of sedation in patients where hypotension is not likely to occur.
MAC sedation: Initial Continuous IV: 100 to 150 mcg/kg/min for 3 to 5 minutes or
Slow IV: 0.5 mg/kg over 3 to 5 minutes followed by:
Maintenance IV infusion: 25 to 75 mcg/kg/min (preferred) or
incremental bolus doses of 10 to 20 mg.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Anesthesia:
Elderly, debilitated, or ASA III/IV patients.
Induction: 20 mg every 10 seconds until induction onset (1-1.5 mg/kg). Maximum dose 200 mg
Maintenance: 50-100 mcg/kg/min.
MAC sedation: The maintenance dose is usually 80% of the usual adult dose.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Anesthesia:
3 years to 16 years: Induction: 2.5 to 3.5 mg/kg over 20 to 30 seconds.
Maintenance: 125 to 300 mcg/kg/min.
What other drugs will affect propofol?
Taking other medicines that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. After you have been treated with propofol, ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Other drugs may interact with this medicine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
