Propofol (Anesia)
Mechanism of action
Short-acting, lipophilic intravenous general anaesthetic agent.
Global CNS depression, presumably via GABAreceptors and others. Not fully understood.
Indications and dose
Side-effects
Apnea
Hypotension
Bradycardia
Localised pain on injection
Involuntary body movements
Hypertriglyceridaemia
Propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS)
Rare syndrome but with a high mortality rate. Associated with prolonged infusion of high-dose (exceeding 4 mg/kg/h). Can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, renal failure, metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia or rhabdomyolysis.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset of action: average 30 seconds
Duration of action: 3 - 10 minutes
Bioavailability: N/A (only intravenous)
Distribution: Large volume of distribution; highly lipophilic and protein bound (95-99%)
Metabolism: Hepatic glucuronidation
Half-life of elimination: 1 - 24 hours
Excretion: Urine
Directions for administration
Intravenous bolus injection or continuous infusion.
Can be used via peripheral or central line.
Medicinal forms
0.5%, 1%, 2% emulsion for injection or infusion
Vials with 20, 50 and 100 ml - 1% solution = 10 mg in 1 ml, 2% solution = 20 mg in 1 ml
References
