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Propofol: Uses,Dosage,Side Effects

Generic Name
Propofol
Therapeutic Class:
 Anesthetic / Critical Care / General (Intravenous) anesthetics

Indications:
Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Sedation during intensive care. Sedation for surgical and diagnostic procedures.

Presentation:
Propofol Injection: Each vial contains Propofol BP 200 mg.

Description:
Propofol is a highly lipid-soluble, short-acting intravenous general anesthetic. The onset of general anesthesia occurs in most patients within 30-60 seconds. Most patients return to consciousness rapidly and recover without confusion or nausea. They are usually completely orientated within only a few minutes from recovery and fit for discharge after only a few hours. Contrary to many other anesthetic agents, propofol is not clinically significantly accumulated during maintenance dosage. It is therefore most suitable for sedation during intensive care.

Its distribution can best be described by a three-compartment open model: rapid distribution from blood to tissues (half-life 2-3 minutes), rapid metabolic elimination from blood (half-life 30-60 minutes), and a slower final phase, during which propofol is eliminated from poorly perfused tissue. The rapid onset of action is based on the fact that propofol, as a lipid-soluble substance, easily passes the blood-brain barrier and is distributed to the central nervous system. The dosage, blood concentrations, and duration of anesthesia are directly interrelated on recommended dosages. Propofol is metabolized in the liver to inactive glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, which are excreted in the urine.

Dosage & Administration:
Adults
Induction of general anesthesia: The dosage of Propofol should be titrated individually against the response of the patient. The ordinary initial dosage in adults is 40 mg (4 ml) by slow intravenous bolus injection at intervals of 10 seconds until the clinical signs show the onset of anesthesia. The ordinary induction dose in a healthy patient below 55 years of age is 2.2-2.5 mg/kg. A dose of 1.0-1.5 mg/kg is often sufficient for the older patient. Lower doses, most often 20 mg (2 ml) at intervals of 10 seconds, are recommended for a patient of ASA grades 3 and 4.

Maintenance of general anesthesia: Anaesthesia can be maintained by administering Propofol either by continuous infusion or by repeat bolus injections to maintain sufficient anesthesia.

Continuous infusion: The required rate of infusion varies considerably between patients. At the onset of anesthesia (roughly the first 10-20 minutes), some patients may require a slightly higher infusion rate (8-10 mg/kg/h). However, sufficient anesthesia is normally achieved by infusing 4-6 (up to 12) mg/kg/h of Propofol. Repeat bolus injections: 25-50 mg (2.5-5.0 ml) bolus injections, depending on response.

Sedation during intensive care: A bolus injection of 1.0-2.0 mg/kg should be given first, followed by continuous infusion adjusted according to the required degree of sedation. An infusion rate of 0.3-4 mg/kg/h is usually sufficient.

Sedation for surgical and diagnostic procedures: Dosages shall be adjusted individually. Sufficient sedation for surgical and diagnostic procedures can usually be achieved by administering initially 0.5-1 mg/kg during 1-5 minutes and maintained by continuous at a rate of 1-4.5 mg/kg/h. A bolus dose of 10-20 mg can be given in addition, should deeper sedation be suddenly required. Lower doses of Propofol are often sufficient for the patient of ASA grades 3 and 4, and for the older patient.

Children
Propofol is not recommended for use in children less than 3 years of age as its safety has not been demonstrated.

Induction of general anesthesia: Dosage of Propofol in children shell be adjusted for weight and age. The mean induction dosage in children over 8 years is 2.5 mg/kg, given by slow intravenous injection until the clinical signs show the onset of anesthesia. Younger children may need slightly higher doses of propofol per kilogram of weight. Lower dosages are recommended for children of ASA grades 3 and 4.

Maintenance of general anesthesia: Anaesthesia can be maintained by administering Propofol either by continuous infusion or by repeat bolus injections. Dosage shall be adjusted individually, but an infusion rate of 9-15 mg/kg/h is usually sufficient to achieve satisfactory anesthesia.

Sedation during intensive care, surgical diagnostic procedures: Propofol is not recommended for sedation in children as its efficacy and safety have not been demonstrated. Although no causal relationship has been established, serious adverse events (including fatalities) have been reported in cases, where propofol has been used against recommendations. Adverse events have most commonly been seen in children with respiratory tract infections given doses in excess of those recommended for adults.

Method of administration
In order to reduce pain on injection, the induction dose of propofol may be mixed immediately before injection in the plastic syringe with lidocaine 10 mg/ml injection, in a ratio of 1 part of lidocaine injection for 20 parts of Propofol.

Propofol can be administered either undiluted or diluted for infusion. Before injection or dilution, each ampoule or vial shall be inspected for any irregularity. Should any changes be observed, the product shall not be used. Suitable equipment shall be used to ensure the correct rate of infusion. Volumetric infusion pumps and syringe pumps, for example, are suitable for this purpose. The ordinary infusion set used alone is not sufficient to prevent accidental overdosage reliably enough.

Compatibility: Propofol may be diluted only with 5% dextrose infusion. Dilution shall not exceed 1 in 5 (containing 2 mg/ml Propofol) and shall be prepared in a PVC infusion bag or glass infusion bottle. If a PVC infusion bag is used, the bag should be full and the dilution is prepared by withdrawing a volume of infusion fluid and replacing it with an equal volume of Propofol. Special attention shall be paid to preparing the dilution aseptically, immediately before administration. Any diluted solution shall be used within 6 hours of preparation. Any remaining solution shall be discarded.

Side Effects:
Local: Propofol is normally well tolerated. Its most common undesirable effect is pain at the site of injection that can be reduced by mixing the preparation with lidocaine or by injecting it into one of the larger veins of the forearm or the intercubital fossa. Thrombosis and phlebitis are rare. 
General: Hypotension and transient apnea may occur at the induction of anesthesia, and may be severe especially in patients who are in a poor general condition. Epileptic movement, convulsions, and dystonic reactions have been seen in rare cases. Pulmonary edema has also been reported. Headache, nausea, and, more rarely, vomiting may occur in some patients during recovery. Recovery may also be associated with another short period of impaired consciousness. Hypersensitivity has been reported in some cases, connected with anaphylactic symptoms such as marked hypotension, bronchospasm, edema, and facial erythema. Some cases of cardiac arrest have occurred in connection with the administration of propofol. In connection with long-term administration of propofol, green or reddish-brown discoloration of urine may occur. This is caused by the quinol metabolites of propofol and is not dangerous. As with other anesthetics, altered sexual behavior may occur.

Precautions:
Propofol and any equipment needed in its administration shall be treated strictly aseptically since Propofol contains no antimicrobial preservatives and as a lipid emulsion, it supports the growth of bacteria and other micro-organisms. When Propofol is to be aspirated, it must be drawn aseptically into a sterile syringe immediately after opening the ampoule or vial and administered without delay. Any fluids to be given simultaneously with Propofol shall be administered as close to the cannula site as possible. Propofol must not be administered via a microbiological filter.

Propofol and any equipment needed in its administration are for use in an individual patient, only. According to general recommendations related to the use of lipid emulsions, the infusion period of undiluted Propofol shall not exceed 12 hours at a time. Any unused Propofol and the infusion line shall be discarded at the end of infusion or not later than 12 hours from the start of infusion. The infusion may be repeated, if necessary.

Propofol should not be mixed prior to intravenous injection with solutions or infusion fluids other than 5 % dextrose or lidocaine 10 mg/ml injection. Propofol should be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25ºC. It must not be frozen. Any unused solution shall be discarded.

Use in Pregnancy & Lactation:
Due to insufficient experience, propofol shall not be used during pregnancy. Propofol is rapidly distributed to the fetus and shall therefore not be used for obstetric anesthesia. Safety to the neonate has not been established in cases, where propofol has been administered to lactating women.

Interaction:
Propofol has been used in association with spinal and epidural anesthesia as well as with various types of premeditates, muscle relaxants, inhalation anesthetics, and analgesics. No pharmacological incompatibility has been observed. Lower doses of Propofol may be sufficient in case Propofol is used as an adjunct to local anesthetic techniques. In doses applied clinically, propofol will not inhibit the synthesis of adrenocortical hormones. Simultaneous administration of opiates may potentiate respiratory depression caused by Propofol.

Overdose:
Overdosage may cause cardiorespiratory depression. Respiratory depression should be treated by artificial ventilation with oxygen, and cardiovascular depression by lowering the patient's head and elevating his/her legs. Pressor agents and plasma expanders or Ringer-type electrolyte solutions may be used, if necessary.

Reconstitution:
Propofol should not be mixed prior to intravenous injection with solutions or infusion fluids other than 5% dextrose or lidocaine 10 mg/ml injection.

Storage:
Propofol should be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25º C. It must not be frozen. Any unused solution shall be discarded.

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