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Drug Class Description
General anaesthetics.Generic Name
GenericDrug Description
Emulsion for injection.Presentation
Injection, propofol 10mg/mL (1%), 20mg/mL (2%). Available from Zurich Pharmaceuticals.Indications
For induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia. For sedation of artificially ventilated patients in the intensive care unit.Adult Dosage
Less than 55 years, 1.5 - 2.5mg/ kg body weight administered at a rate of approximately 40mg per 10 seconds. For patients at increased risk the administration rate is 20mg per 10 seconds.
Child Dosage
Over 3 years, administer propofol slowly and against the response until clinical signs show the until clinical signs show the onset of anaesthesia. Doses should be adjusted for age and body weight. Children over 8 years require approximately 2.5mg/kg; below 8 years, dose requirement may be higher (2.5 - 4mg/kg). Under 3 years, not recommended.Elderly Dosage
Over 55 years, generally require a lower dose.Contra Indications
Hypersensitivity to propofol or to one of the excipients. Pregnancy (except in cases of abortion). Should not be used for general anaesthesia in children under the age of three years and for sedation of children under the age of 16 in the intensive care unit. Should not be used during lactation.
Special Precautions
Should be administered only by a physician capable in the field of anaesthesia and/or intensive care and facilities for resuscitation should be available immediately.
Continuous monitoring required to observe possible hypotension, respiratory tract obstruction or insufficient oxygen intake. Elderly or debilitated patients, patients with cardiac, respiratory, renal or hepatic impairment, hypovolaemia. Epilepsy. Refer to Summary of Product Characteristics.
Adverse Reactions
Side effects of propofol during induction, maintenance of anaesthesia and during recovery are rare. Pain at injection site. Minimal excitation, hypotension and apnoea of short duration may occur during induction.
Nausea, vomiting and headache may occur during recovery. Rarely, green discolouration of urine after prolonged administration.
Drug Availability
(POM)Updated
09 June 2009