💉 Propofol Injection 10 mg/mL
📝 Prescription Information
- Generic Name: Propofol
- Brand Names: Diprivan, Propoven, Recofol, among others
- Strength: 10 mg/mL (commonly in 20 mL, 50 mL, or 100 mL vials)
- Form: Sterile injectable emulsion for IV use
- Class: Intravenous general anesthetic
- Regulation: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
💊 Uses of Propofol
Propofol is used as a short-acting sedative and anesthetic agent for:
- Induction of general anesthesia
- Maintenance of anesthesia during surgeries
- Sedation of ventilated patients in ICUs
- Procedural sedation (e.g., endoscopy, minor surgeries)
- Short-term sedation in emergency rooms or during imaging scans (e.g., MRI)
🌿 Nature of Propofol
- Appearance: White, milky oil-in-water emulsion
- Form: Injectable solution
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in lipids
- Onset of Action: Rapid (30–60 seconds after IV injection)
- Duration: 5–10 minutes (short-acting)
- Metabolism: Rapid hepatic metabolism; excreted in urine
- Formulation: Contains soybean oil, glycerol, and egg lecithin (beware of allergies)
✅ Advantages of Propofol
- Rapid Onset and Recovery
- Allows quick induction and emergence from anesthesia.
- Smooth Induction
- Causes minimal excitatory movement; generally well-tolerated.
- Short Duration
- Ideal for day-case surgeries and short procedures.
- Anti-emetic Properties
- Reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).
- Tight Sedation Control
- Easily titratable dose in ICU or during procedures.
- Non-cumulative
- Does not build up significantly with prolonged use in most cases.
⚠️ Precautions
- Respiratory Depression
- May cause apnea, especially with rapid bolus administration.
- Hypotension
- Causes vasodilation and decreased blood pressure.
- Pain on Injection
- Common; can be reduced by lidocaine pretreatment or using a large vein.
- Allergic Reactions
- Contraindicated in patients allergic to egg, soy, or lecithin (from the emulsion base).
- Bacterial Contamination Risk
- Because it’s an emulsion, it supports microbial growth. Strict aseptic technique required; discard vial after 6–12 hours once opened.
- Abuse Potential
- Misused for sedation by medical personnel; strict monitoring required (linked to the death of Michael Jackson).
- Not Recommended in Children <3 Years
- Unless under special circumstances, not approved for sedation in very young children outside surgery.
- No Reversal Agent
- Requires airway and resuscitation support if overdose occurs.
📦 Common Packaging
- Glass vials or pre-filled syringes
- Strength: 10 mg/mL
- Volumes: 20 mL, 50 mL, 100 mL
🧪 Storage
- Temperature: Store below 25°C; do not freeze
- Shake well before use; use within the manufacturer’s advised time after opening