Propofol

Active Ingredients: Propofol Injection
Brand Name: Diprivan

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Propofol is a drug that reduces anxiety and tension, and promotes relaxation and sleep or loss of consciousness. Propofol provides loss of awareness for short diagnostic tests and surgical procedures, sleep at the beginning of surgery, and supplements other types of general anesthetics.

What should my health care professional know before I receive propofol?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•arrhythmia (rapid, slow, or irregular heart beat)
•blood vessel disease
•head injury
•heart disease
•high cholesterol
•pancreatitis
•seizures (convulsions)
•an unusual or allergic reaction to propofol, anesthetics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use propofol?

Propofol is for injection into a vein. It is given by trained anesthesia professionals in a controlled environment.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with propofol?

•alcohol
•barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
•herbal products, including St. John's wort
•medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
•medicines for colds, breathing difficulties, or weight loss
•medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
•medicines for pain

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving propofol?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the throat
•fast heartbeat, palpitations
•lightheadedness or fainting spells
•numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
•seizure (convulsion)
•skin rash, flushing (redness), or itching
•swelling or extreme pain at the injection site
•uncontrollable muscle spasm

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•dizziness
•pain or irritation at the injection site

What should I watch for while taking propofol?

You will be closely monitored following administration of propofol.

Propofol is a very short-acting drug, and its effects generally wear off in just a few hours. However, propofol may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery for several hours after use. Do not attempt to drive yourself home if you have received propofol for minor outpatient surgery or diagnostic tests.

Avoid alcohol, mood-altering drugs, or any other medicines for at least 24 hours after a dose of propofol, unless approved by your prescriber or health care professional.

Where can I keep propofol?

This does not apply.


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

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