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Propoven Side Effects

Generic name: propofol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 14, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Propoven Side Effects associated with propofol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Propoven.

Applies to propofol: intravenous emulsion.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Intravenous route (emulsion)

Emergency Use Authorization of Fresenius Propoven 2% Emulsion: Note important differences in formulation and labeling between the current US marketed FDA-approved Diprivan® injectable emulsion, USP 10 mg/mL products and Fresenius Propoven 2% emulsion.

See details in the Fact Sheet for Health Care Providers before administering Fresenius Propoven 2% emulsion.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress closely while you are receiving this medicine to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests will be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you start to have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, mouth, or throat after receiving this medicine.

This medicine may cause propofol (the active ingredient contained in Propoven) infusion syndrome, which can lead to more serious problems (eg, high potassium in the blood, high fat or cholesterol in the blood, rhabdomyolysis, enlarged liver, kidney failure, heart failure). Tell your doctor right away if you have chest pain or discomfort, confusion, dark-colored urine, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, fainting, fever, muscle cramps, spasms, pain, or stiffness, nausea, right upper abdominal or stomach pain and fullness, slow or irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, stomach cramps, unusual tiredness or weakness after receiving this medicine.

Check with you doctor right away if you have bluish lips or skin, blurred vision, choking, confusion, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, drowsiness, pale skin, sweating, trouble breathing or speaking, unusual tiredness or weakness after receiving this medicine. These could be symptoms of a serious heart or lung problem.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Propoven

Along with its needed effects, propofol may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking propofol:

More common side effects

  • blurred vision
  • confusion
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • fast, slow, irregular, or pounding heartbeat or pulse
  • headache
  • nervousness
  • pounding in the ears
  • problems with movement
  • sweating
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

  • bluish lips or skin
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • difficulty breathing
  • lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

Rare side effects

  • anxiety
  • bleeding gums
  • burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
  • changes in vision
  • chills
  • cloudy urine
  • cough
  • coughing up blood
  • delirium or hallucinations
  • difficult urination
  • difficulty swallowing
  • dry eyes, mouth, nose, or throat
  • excessive muscle tone
  • eye pain
  • fever
  • flushing or redness of the face
  • general feeling of illness
  • hives, itching, skin rash
  • inability to move the eyes
  • increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid
  • increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
  • increased watering of the mouth
  • irritability
  • joint pain or swelling
  • loss of appetite
  • mood or mental changes
  • muscle aches, cramps, or pains
  • muscle spasms or twitching
  • muscle stiffness, tension, or tightness
  • nausea or vomiting
  • nosebleeds
  • pain in the arms or legs
  • prolonged bleeding from cuts
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • red or dark brown urine
  • red or black, tarry stools
  • restlessness
  • shaking
  • sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
  • sore throat
  • sticking out of tongue
  • tightness in the chest
  • trembling
  • trouble sleeping
  • trouble speaking
  • uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs
  • unusual facial expressions

Other side effects of Propoven

Some side effects of propofol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

For healthcare professionals

Applies to propofol: intravenous emulsion.

Cardiovascular adverse events

Dermatologic

Gastrointestinal

Genitourinary

Hepatic

Hypersensitivity

Local

Metabolic

Musculoskeletal

Nervous system

Paresthesias (including burning, tingling, stinging) and/or pruritus, usually manifested in the perineal region, were the most frequently recorded adverse reactions in clinical trials. Paresthesias and pruritus generally occurred within 5 minutes after administration of the initial dose and were generally transient and mild to moderate in intensity. The pharmacologic basis of these sensory phenomena is unknown. No pretreatments, including the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, or lidocaine, are known to have an effect on or to reduce the incidence of these sensations.[Ref]

Respiratory

Renal

Hematologic

Immunologic

Ocular

Psychiatric

Other

See also:

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Diprivan (propofol)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals

2. (2019) "Product Information. Propofol (propofol)." Hospira Inc

Further information

Propoven side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.