Propofol - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Propofol is a general anesthetic used to initiate and maintain anesthesia during surgical procedures. Propofol is available in injectable dosage forms. The injection can only be done by a doctor in a hospital.

This drug is used to calm, reduce consciousness, and anesthetize the patient during surgery. Propofol can also be used as a sedative for ICU patients who use a breathing apparatus.ventilator). Propofol works by decreasing the activity of the brain and nervous system, thereby preventing the brain from processing pain.

Propofol trademark: Anesticap, Diprivan, Fresofol 1% MCT/LCT, Fiprol, Nupovel, Proanes 1% MCT/LCT, Propofol, Propofol Lipuro 1%, Recofol N, Sedafol

What is Propofol

Precautions Before Using Propofol

Propofol should only be used in hospitals. The administration will be carried out by an anesthesiologist or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.

There are several things you should know before undergoing an anesthetic procedure with propofol, namely:

• Tell your doctor about your history of allergies. Propofol should not be given to patients who are allergic to propofol, eggs, or soy.
• Tell your doctor if you have a fat metabolism disorder. Propofol should not be used in these patients.
• Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy, seizures, diabetes, pulmonary disorders, hypercholesterolemia, respiratory problems, stroke, kidney disease, hypotension, anemia, liver disease, or heart disease.
• Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from a head injury, infection, or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• Do not drive a vehicle or do anything that requires alertness until at least 24 hours after taking propofol. This medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness.
• Do not drink alcohol when you have just finished a diagnostic procedure or surgery that involves giving propofol.
• Tell your doctor right away if you have any drug allergies, serious side effects, or overdose after taking propofol.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Propofol

The dose of propofol given to each patient may vary depending on the patient's condition and the medical procedure to be performed. The following are general doses of propofol based on the function of use and the age of the patient:

Function: As a general anesthetic

Mature

• The 1% emulsion drug is given by injection into a vein (intravenous/IV) or by infusion. Meanwhile, the 2% emulsion drug was given by infusion.
• Induction dose (starting the anesthetic process) 40 mg every 10 seconds, the dose can be adjusted until the desired therapeutic response is achieved.
• The general dose is 1.5–2.5 mg/kgBW.
• The maintenance dose is 4–12 mg/kg per hour given by infusion.
• An alternative dose of 25–50 mg of 1% emulsified drug is administered via intermittent bolus injection.

seniors

• The 1% emulsion drug is given by IV injection or infusion, while the 2% emulsion drug is given by infusion.
• The induction dose is 20 mg every 10 seconds, the dose can be adjusted until the desired therapeutic response is achieved.
• The maintenance dose is 3–6 mg/kg per hour.

Children

• The 1% emulsion drug is given by infusion or intermittent bolus injection in children >1 month of age. Meanwhile, the 2% emulsion drug was given by infusion to children aged >3 years.
• Induction dose 2.5–4 mg/kgBW.
• Maintenance dose 9–15 mg/kg per hour.

Function: As a sedative for diagnostic or surgical procedures

Mature

• The initial dose is 6–9 mg/kg per hour given by infusion over 3–5 minutes.
• An alternative dose of 0.5–1 mg/kg is given by slow injection over 1–5 minutes.
• The maintenance dose is 1.5–4.5 mg/kg per hour given by infusion.
• An additional dose of 10–20 mg of 1% emulsified drug is administered via incremental bolus injection if needed.

Children

• The 1% emulsion drug is given to children aged >1 month. Meanwhile, 2% emulsion drug is given to children aged >3 years.
• The initial dose is 1-2 mg/kgBW given by infusion. The next dose can be adjusted according to the patient's condition.
• The maintenance dose is 1.5–9 mg/kg per hour given by infusion.
• Additional doses of up to 1 mg/kg of 1% emulsified drug are given by bolus injection if needed.

Function: As a sedative for ICU patients on ventilators

Mature

• Induction and maintenance dose 0.3–4 mg/kg per hour by infusion over 5 minutes.
• The next dose can be adjusted according to the patient's condition.

How to Use Propofol Correctly

Propofol will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. This drug will be given by infusion, IV injection, intermittent bolus injection, or incremental bolus injection.

The patient will feel calm, then fall asleep shortly after this drug is given. During the medical procedure and while the effects of propofol are still ongoing, the doctor will monitor the patient's breathing, blood pressure, urine production, or oxygen levels.

Propofol Interactions with Other Drugs

Drug interactions can occur if propofol is used with certain drugs, for example:

• Affects blood pressure when used with isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or selegiline
• Increases the risk of developing respiratory disorders which can be fatal if used with oileridine
• Increases the sedative effect of propofol and other effects on breathing, heart rate, or blood pressure, when used with codeine or fentanyl
• Increases the risk of developing heart rhythm disturbances which can be fatal when used with ozanimod or papaverine
• Increased risk of fatal side effects, such as fainting, severe respiratory distress, severe hypotension, coma, and even death, when used with sodium oxybate
• Increases propofol levels when used with valproate
• Increases risk of hypotension when used with rifampicin

Side Effects and Dangers of Propofol

During and after propofol injection, doctors and medical staff will closely monitor the condition and response of the patient's body. Some of the side effects that can occur after using propofol are:

• Pain, stinging, or burning at the injection site
• Slow, irregular, or fast heart rate
• Blood pressure increases or decreases
• Blurred vision or double vision
• Severe dizziness or drowsiness
• Blue skin and lips
• Faint
• Nervous
• Headache
• Body feels tired and weak
• Disturbed body movement
• Excessive sweating
• Confused or restless
• Stopped breathing or difficulty breathing

Doctors and medical staff will immediately provide treatment if patients experience these side effects after using propofol.