Propofol

The dose of propofol used depends on why the medication is being given. Your doctor will calculate the appropriate dose based on body weight. Propofol is given intravenously (through a vein) by an anesthetist (a doctor who specializes anesthesia).

Propofol should only be used by doctors who have experience with anesthesia and using propofol. You should be continuously monitored and facilities for maintenance of a person's airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen enrichment and circulatory resuscitation must be immediately available in case needed.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Propofol be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive propofol, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Store Propofol at room temperature, protect it from freezing and keep it out of the reach of children.

Strict aseptic techniques must always be maintained during handling as propofol is a single-use injectable product, and contains no antimicrobial preservatives. The vehicle is capable of supporting rapid growth of microorganisms. Failure to follow aseptic handling procedures may result in microbial contamination causing serious infections which could lead to life-threatening illness such as septic shock.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Each mL of white, oil in water emulsion contains 10 mg propofol for IV administration. Nonmedicinal ingredients: soybean oil, glycerin, egg phosphatide, and water for injection with sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.

Do not use Propofol if you:

• are allergic to propofol or any ingredients of Propofol
• are 18 years of age or younger receiving intensive care
• have any contraindications to sedation or general anaesthesia

There may be an interaction between propofol and any of the following:

• alcohol
• Aldesleukin
• Aliskiren
• alpha-agonists (e.g., Clonidine, methyldopa)
• alpha-blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin)
• angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; Captopril, Enalapril, Ramipril)
• angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs; e.g., Candesartan, Irbesartan, Losartan)
• amifostine
• antiarrhythmics (e.g., Amiodarone, Disopyramide, Dronedarone, procainamide, quinidine)
• antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine, Loratadine)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• azelastine
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, Phenobarbital)
• benzodiazepines (e.g., Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam)
• beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Propranolol, Sotalol)
• brimonidine
• Buprenorphine
• Buspirone
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
• cannabis
• chloral hydrate
• diazoxide
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene)
• Duloxetine
• efavirenz
• Entacapone
• Flibanserin
• general anaesthetics (medications to put you to sleep for surgery)
• Guanfacine
• Hydralazine
• levodopa
• Lomitapide
• magnesium sulfate
• mifepristone
• Minoxidil
• Mirtazapine
• muscle relaxants (e.g., Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine)
• Nabilone
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• Nilotinib
• nitrates (e.g., Nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate)
• Obinutuzumab
• Pentoxifylline
• phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil)
• Pramipexole
• quinine
• rifampin
• Riociguat
• Ropinirole
• Rotigotine
• scopolamine
• seizure medications (e.g., Carbamazepine, Clobazam, Levetiracetam, phenobarbital, Phenytoin, primidone, Topiramate, Valproic acid, zonisamide)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• sodium oxybate
• Tapentadol
• Tetrabenazine
• thalidomide
• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Clomipramine, Desipramine, Imipramine)
• Zolpidem
• Zopiclone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Propofol. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Propofol.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Propofol will cause reduced alertness and cause a person to be drowsy even after they have awakened. If you have received propofol as part of an outpatient procedure, you should not drive or operate machinery until the effects of propofol have completely passed.

Heart disease: Propofol can caused decreased heart rate or blood pressure. If you have heart disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Propofol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Impaired fat (lipid) metabolism: If you have impaired lipid metabolism (e.g., high lipid levels associated with Diabetes, pancreatitis), discuss with your doctor how Propofol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Propofol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Impaired kidney and liver function: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication if you have impaired kidney and liver function have not been established.

Seizures: If you have seizures or a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Propofol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: There is evidence that a baby who is exposed to propofol before birth may experience impaired brain development. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are or may be pregnant and require Propofol, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Propofol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking propofol, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children less than 3 years of age. There is evidence that the use of propofol to treat young children may cause decreased or impaired brain development. Propofol may be used as part of anesthesia for children 3 years of age and older. It should not be used for children under the age of 18 as sedation in intensive care or conscious sedation.

Seniors: Seniors may be much more likely to experience side effects of Propofol and may require lower doses.