Description
Propofol is a short-acting, intravenous sedative-hypnotic agent used for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia, sedation for mechanically ventilated adults in intensive care units (ICUs), and procedural sedation. It is known for its rapid onset and quick recovery times.
Prescription
Propofol is a prescription-only medication and should be administered exclusively by trained healthcare professionals in settings equipped for monitoring and managing anesthesia.
Therapeutic Category
- Pharmacological Class: General Anesthetic
- Mechanism of Action: Acts as a GABA_A receptor agonist, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system.
Active Ingredients/Composition
- Active Ingredient: Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol)
- Formulation: Typically supplied as a 1% (10 mg/mL) sterile, oil-in-water emulsion containing:
- Soybean oil
- Glycerol
- Egg lecithin
- Sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH)
- Water for injection
- Benzyl alcohol (as a preservative in some formulations)
Vitamins
Propofol injection does not contain any vitamins.
Minerals
Propofol injection does not contain any minerals.
Variant
Available in various concentrations and formulations, including:
- 1% (10 mg/mL)
- 2% (20 mg/mL)
Some formulations may include preservatives (e.g., benzyl alcohol) for multi-dose vials, while others are preservative-free for single-use.
Consume Type
Administered intravenously (IV) as:
- Bolus injection
- Continuous infusion
Directions/Usage
- Induction of Anesthesia:
- Adults: 2 to 2.5 mg/kg IV bolus over 20 to 30 seconds.
- Pediatrics: Dosage varies based on age and weight; requires careful titration.
- Maintenance of Anesthesia:
- Adults: 4 to 12 mg/kg/hour via continuous infusion or intermittent boluses.
- Sedation in ICU:
- Initiate at 5 mcg/kg/min; titrate to desired level of sedation, not exceeding 50 mcg/kg/min.
Dosages should be individualized based on patient response and clinical condition.
Common Side Effects
- Pain at the injection site
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Apnea (temporary cessation of breathing)
- Nausea and vomiting during recovery
- Rare: Propofol infusion syndrome (a potentially fatal condition characterized by metabolic acidosis, cardiac failure, and rhabdomyolysis)
Package Type
Supplied in:
- Glass vials (single-use or multi-dose)
- Pre-filled syringes
- Ampoules
Packaging sizes vary, commonly available in 20 mL, 50 mL, and 100 mL volumes.
Storage Advice
- Temperature: Store between 4°C and 25°C (39°F to 77°F); do not freeze.
- Handling: Use aseptic technique; discard any unused portion after opening (for single-use vials).
- Shelf Life: Refer to manufacturer’s guidelines; typically, use within 6 hours of opening for preservative-free formulations.
Safety Advice
- Administer only in settings equipped for airway management and cardiovascular resuscitation.
- Monitor patients continuously for respiratory and cardiovascular function.
- Use with caution in patients with hypotension, hypovolemia, or compromised cardiac function.
- Not recommended for use in children under 3 years for induction or maintenance of anesthesia.
Product Substitutes
Alternative brands and formulations include:
- Diprivan
- Propofol-Lipuro
- Fresofol
- Propoven
Note: Availability may vary by region and manufacturer.
Manufacturer/Marketer
Propofol is manufactured and marketed by various pharmaceutical companies worldwide, including:
- Fresenius Kabi
- Hospira (a Pfizer company)
- B. Braun
- AstraZeneca
Specific manufacturer details depend on the brand and regional availability.
Country of Origin
Propofol was first developed in the United Kingdom. Currently, it is manufactured in multiple countries, including the USA, Germany, and others, depending on the brand and formulation.
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