Propofol

Uses	Induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia, For conscious sedation for surgical and diagnostic procedures, For sedation of ventilated patients receiving intensive care.
Therapy	General Anaesthesia
Side Effects	Nausea, vomiting, headache, decreased cardiac output, changes in blood pressure, pain at the injection site, skin rash, stopping of respiratory activity

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Molecule Description

Propofol is used to administer general anaesthesia. It is issued only by an anaesthetist at the time of major surgeries to render the patient unconscious and safely carry out any surgical procedure.

Uses

As per CDSCO,
Induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia.
For conscious sedation for surgical and diagnostic procedures
For sedation of ventilated patients receiving intensive care.

Contraindications

When should one not use Propofol

If you have a known hypersensitivity to propofol or any of its components.
If you are allergic to eggs, egg products, soybeans, or soy products.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Changes in blood pressure
Decreased Cardiac Output
Pain at the injection site
Skin rash
Stopping of respiratory activity

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Propofol can cross the placenta and affect the fetus, but it has been safe when used in pregnant patients under a doctor's care.

Breast Feeding

Propofol is not recommended for use in nursing mothers because propofol has been reported to be excreted in human milk, and the effects of oral absorption of small amounts of propofol are not known.

Driving

Propofol cannot be used during driving as it is general anaesthetic and sedative medicine.

Alcohol

It is strongly contraindicated, as it is a general anaesthetic and sedative medicine

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have any food allergies.
You should disclose the concurrent use of any other medications.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

The exact mechanism of action is poorly understood. It acts on specific chloride channels in the brain mediated by a chemical substance known as GABA. It is postulated that propofol helps bind GABA to these chloride channels for longer. Because of this, the channel remains active for a long time, and an inhibitory effect is seen.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Other medications that affect blood pressure or heart rhythm
Medications that cause slowing down respiratory rate, such as opioids.

Interactions with food items

The patient must be fasting for 12 hours before surgery for general anaesthesia or as advised by the physician for individual procedures.

Dosage

Overdose

If an overdose occurs, Propofol administration should be discontinued immediately.

Missed a Dose

The medicine should only be administered at the discretion of an anaesthetist for use during or prior to a procedure. Incorrect maintenance may cause the patient to regain consciousness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The exact duration of anaesthesia varies from patient to patient and depends upon the duration of the procedure and the dose of the agent administered.

Propofol can be used in different ways for many major surgical procedures. It should only be administered by a trained anaesthetist.

Patients who cannot breathe well may require the support of a ventilator. At this time, agents such as Propofol are used to sedate the patient to ensure the machine works well. The procedure is only done under the care of an anaesthetist or ICU specialist doctor.

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