Propofol is used for-

• Initiation and maintenance of Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) sedation 
• Combined sedation and regional anesthesia
• Induction of General Anesthesia 
• Maintenance of General Anesthesia 
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) sedation of intubated, mechanically ventilated patients 

Anesthesia

Local Anesthesia

Adults:

INDUCTION OF GENERAL ANESTHESIA:

• Adults less than 55 years of age and classified as ASA-PS I or II: 2 to 2.5 mg/kg IV titrated at approximately 40 mg every 10 seconds until onset of induction; the amount of IV opioid and/or benzodiazepine premedication will influence the response of the patient to an induction dose
• Cardiac Anesthesia: 20 mg every 10 seconds until induction onset (0.5 to 1.5 mg/kg)
• Neurosurgical Patients: 20 mg (1 to 2 mg/kg) IV every 10 seconds until induction onset

MAINTENANCE OF GENERAL ANESTHESIA:

• Adults less than 55 years of age and classified as ASA-PS I OR II: 100 to 200 mcg/kg/minute (6 to 12 mg/kg/h) IV as a variable rate infusion with 60% to 70% nitrous oxide and oxygen provides anesthesia for patients undergoing general surgery.
• Maintenance immediately following the induction dose: During the initial period following the induction dose, higher rates of infusion are generally required (150 to 200 mcg/kg/min IV) for the first 10 to 15 minutes; then decreased 30% to 50% during the first half-hour of maintenance; 50 to 100 mcg/kg/min in adults should be achieved during maintenance to optimize recovery times.
• Neurosurgical Patients: 100 to 200 mcg/kg/min (6 mg/kg/h to 12 mg/kg/h) IV

MAINTENANCE OF GENERAL ANESTHESIA (INTERMITTENT BOLUS):

• Adults less than 55 years of age and classified as ASA-PS I OR II: Increments of 25 to 50 mg may be administered with nitrous oxide in adult patients undergoing general surgery.
  
  

Side effects associated with propofol include-

• Hypotension
• Bradycardia
• Respiratory depression/apnea
• Pain at the injection site
• Nausea/vomiting
• Headache
• Pruritus
• Increased intracranial pressure

Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

Bradycardia

Respiratory Depression

Pain at injection site

• Propofol should only be administered by trained healthcare professionals in a facility equipped for monitoring and support of respiratory and cardiovascular function.
• Propofol should not be used in patients with a known allergy to the drug or any of its components.
• Patients should be closely monitored for hypotension, respiratory depression, and bradycardia during and after administration of propofol.
• Propofol should be used with caution in patients with cardiac or respiratory disease, as well as in those with a history of drug abuse or dependence.
• Propofol may cause a decrease in seizure threshold and should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizures or epilepsy.
• Propofol should not be used for sedation in pediatric patients under the age of 3 years.
• Propofol should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women.