propofol
Propofol is a short-acting intravenous nonbarbiturate sedative agent used for the induction of general anesthesia for adults and children, maintenance of general anesthesia, and sedation in medical contexts, such as intensive care unit (ICU) sedation for intubated, mechanically ventilated adults, and in procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies and dental surgery. [1]
- Propofol is an alkylphenol derivative (2,6 - diisopropylphenol). [...] In dogs, propofol produces rapid, yet smooth and excitement-free anesthesia induction (in 30-60 seconds) when given slowly IV. [2]
Anesthesia, general, adjunct-Propofol is indicated for the induction of general anesthesia in adults and in pediatric patients greater than 3 years of age. [3]
Propofol may be of particular usefulness for use in Greyhounds and in patients with preexisting cardiac dysrhythmias. [2]
Marketed as Lusedra, this new formulation might well have superior properties for use in humans such as being more readily injectable and perhaps without the pain at injection site that often occurs with the traditional form of the drug. [4]
When DIPRIVAN Injectable Emulsion is administered slowly over 3 to 5 minutes, most patients will be adequately sedated, and the peak drug effect can be achieved while minimizing undesirable cardiorespiratory effects occurring at high plasma levels. [5]
It has several mechanisms of action, both through potentiation of GABA-A receptor activity, thereby slowing the channel closing time, and also acting as a sodium channel blocker. [1]
A rapid bolus should not be used, as this will increase the likelihood of undesirable cardiorespiratory depression including hypotension, apnea, airway obstruction, and/or oxygen desaturation (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). [5]
CYP1A2 Substrates: CYP1A2 Inhibitors (Moderate) may decrease the metabolism of CYP1A2 Substrates. [6]
Undesirable effects such as cardiorespiratory depression are likely to occur at higher blood concentrations which result from bolus dosing or rapid increases in the infusion rate. [...] Diprivan Injectable Emulsion is a single-use parenteral product which contains 0.005% disodium edetate to inhibit the rate of growth of microorganisms, for up to 12 hours, in the event of accidental extrinsic contamination. [5]
It is also indicated for maintenance of anesthesia utilizing balanced techniques with other appropriate agents such as opioids and inhalation anesthetics in adults and pediatric patients greater than 2 months of age. [3]
Yet in some studies, when patients receive propofol compared to inhalation agents for anesthesia, postoperative pain is less after propofol. [1]
Alternate sedative therapy should be considered for patients with escalating doses of vasopressors or inotropes, when cardiac failure occurs during high-dose propofol infusion, when metabolic acidosis is observed, or in whom lengthy and/or high-dose sedation is needed (Jacobi, 2002; Corbett, 2008). [6]
Sources:
[1] Propofol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[2] Propofol
[3] Propofol Drug Information, Professional
[4] Propofol: Definition from Answers.com
[5] Diprivan (Propofol) Drug Information: Uses, Side Effects, Drug …
[6] Propofol: Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp: Merck Manual Professional