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Propofol: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Propofol is a short-acting intravenous sedative-hypnotic agent used in anesthesia and critical care.

Forms:IV Injection

About Propofol

Indications of Propofol

Propofol is a short-acting intravenous sedative-hypnotic agent used in anesthesia and critical care. Its evidence-based uses include:

  • Induction of general anesthesia (FDA-approved) in patients 3 years of age and older.
  • Maintenance of general anesthesia (FDA-approved) in patients 2 months of age and older, typically as part of a balanced anesthetic technique with analgesics and/or inhalational agents.
  • Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) sedation in adults undergoing diagnostic or surgical procedures (FDA-approved).
  • Sedation of intubated, mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) (FDA-approved in adults; not approved for ICU sedation in pediatric patients).
  • Combination use: commonly combined with opioids, benzodiazepines, or local/regional anesthesia to reduce required doses and improve hemodynamic stability; requires careful dose titration when combined with other CNS depressants.
  • Off-label use: Propofol is used off-label in some settings for refractory status epilepticus and for procedural sedation outside the operating room, under the direct supervision of clinicians trained in general anesthesia.

Propofol is not indicated for use outside settings equipped for airway management and cardiorespiratory monitoring.

Dosage & Administration of Propofol

General Anesthesia - Induction (Adults)

Patient groupDose
Healthy adults <55 years (ASA I-II)2-2.5 mg/kg IV, titrated over 20-40 seconds until onset of anesthesia
Elderly, debilitated, or ASA III-IV patients1-1.5 mg/kg IV, given more slowly
Hemodynamically unstable/cardiac patients0.5-1.5 mg/kg IV, titrated cautiously

General Anesthesia - Maintenance (Adults)

Continuous infusion of 100-200 mcg/kg/min (6-12 mg/kg/hour), or intermittent bolus of 25-50 mg, titrated to clinical effect; lower rates (50-100 mcg/kg/min) are used in elderly or debilitated patients.

Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) Sedation (Adults)

Initial infusion of 25-75 mcg/kg/min for 3-5 minutes or slow injection of 0.5 mg/kg over 3-5 minutes, followed by maintenance infusion of 5-50 mcg/kg/min, titrated to the desired level of sedation.

ICU Sedation (Mechanically Ventilated Adults)

Initiate at 5 mcg/kg/min (0.3 mg/kg/hour) for at least 5 minutes; increase in increments of 5-10 mcg/kg/min over 5-10-minute intervals until the desired sedation level is reached. Maintenance is usually 5-50 mcg/kg/min (0.3-3 mg/kg/hour); doses above 4 mg/kg/hour are not generally recommended unless the potential benefit is judged to outweigh risk, given the association with Propofol Infusion Syndrome (see Precautions and Warnings).

Pediatric Dosing

Induction of anesthesia (patients ≥3 years): 2.5-3.5 mg/kg IV, given more slowly than in adults; lower doses may be needed in children classified as ASA III-IV. Maintenance (patients ≥2 months): infusion rates are generally higher than in adults, in the range of 125-300 mcg/kg/min, titrated to effect. Propofol is not approved for ICU sedation in pediatric patients and is not recommended for induction of anesthesia in children under 3 years of age.

Administration Notes

Propofol must be administered only by persons trained in general anesthesia and not involved in the conduct of the surgical/diagnostic procedure, with continuous monitoring of cardiovascular and respiratory function and immediate availability of airway management equipment. Strict aseptic technique is mandatory when handling the emulsion (see Precautions and Warnings).

Side Effects of Propofol

Very common/common: pain, burning, or stinging at the injection site; hypotension; transient apnea during induction; bradycardia; involuntary movements; headache; nausea and vomiting on emergence.

Less common but clinically important: hypertension, arrhythmias, hyperlipidemia/hypertriglyceridemia with prolonged infusion, urine discoloration (green, pink, or cloudy - benign metabolite effect), thrombophlebitis, and rare anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions.

Rare but serious: severe bradycardia and asystole, pulmonary edema, seizure-like activity/opisthotonos on emergence, and Propofol Infusion Syndrome with prolonged high-dose ICU infusion (see Precautions and Warnings for details).

Contraindications of Propofol

Propofol is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Propofol or to any component of the formulation, including patients with allergies to egg products (egg lecithin) or soy/soybean products, both of which are used as emulsifying agents in the Propofol lipid emulsion.

Propofol should not be used for obstetric anesthesia/analgesia during labor and delivery except under specific specialist circumstances, as it readily crosses the placenta and can cause neonatal depression; this is a use-restriction rather than a general absolute contraindication and should be assessed case-by-case by the treating anesthesiologist.

Frequently Asked Questions about Propofol

What is Propofol used for?

Propofol is an intravenous sedative-hypnotic medicine used by anesthesia and critical care teams to start and maintain general anesthesia for surgery, to sedate patients during certain diagnostic or surgical procedures, and to sedate adult patients who are on a breathing machine (ventilator) in the intensive care unit.

Can Propofol be given at home or by any doctor?

No. Propofol must only be given by, or under the direct supervision of, a person specifically trained in general anesthesia and airway management, in a setting with continuous heart and breathing monitoring and resuscitation equipment immediately available, because it can cause significant drops in blood pressure and breathing.

Who should not receive Propofol?

Propofol should not be given to anyone with a known allergy to Propofol itself or to its ingredients, including patients allergic to egg products or soy/soybean products, since the Propofol emulsion contains egg lecithin and soybean oil. It also requires special specialist assessment before use during labor and delivery.

Is Propofol safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Propofol crosses the placenta, so it should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed, with the potential benefit outweighing potential risk to the baby, and only under close specialist supervision during labor and delivery because it can cause sedation in the newborn. Propofol passes into breast milk in small amounts; a breastfeeding mother should consult her physician, and the infant should be watched for unusual drowsiness after the mother receives Propofol.

What is Propofol Infusion Syndrome and should I be worried?

Propofol Infusion Syndrome (PRIS) is a rare but serious complication that can occur with high-dose, prolonged Propofol infusions, most often in critically ill ICU patients, causing severe acidosis, muscle breakdown, high potassium levels, and heart problems. Because of this, ICU teams use the lowest effective dose of Propofol for the shortest time needed and monitor patients closely for warning signs.

What are the common side effects of Propofol?

Common effects of Propofol include pain or stinging at the injection site, a drop in blood pressure, slowed breathing or a brief pause in breathing right after the dose, a slowed heart rate, and drowsiness, nausea, or headache as the medicine wears off. Your anesthesia or ICU team will monitor you closely for these effects while you are receiving Propofol.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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