Propofol
About Propofol
Propofol belongs to a class of drugs known as 'general anesthetic', primarily used in giving anesthesia for major surgical procedures. It is given as induction therapy before surgery to sedate the patient. General Anaesthesia is a medication given before surgery to put you to sleep so that you do not feel the pain as you are unconscious.
Propofol contains Propofol, which is used as an anesthetic for surgeries so that procedure is carried out without pain and distress. It works by causing loss of consciousness, which is reversible. It generally slows down the brain and central nervous system, which is the conscious center.
Take Propofol as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Propofol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending upon your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience dizziness, hypotension (low blood pressure), nausea, headache, vomiting, local site pain, changes in your breathing pattern, slow heartbeat. Most of these side effects of Propofol do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not take Propofol if you are allergic to Propofol or any of its ingredients. Propofol should always be given by a doctor or a trained professional as over-dose can cause excessive sedation, which can be fatal. Do not drive a car or operate any machinery as Propofol affects alertness. If you are pregnant, planning got conceive or are breastfeeding, Propofol should be taken only after informing your doctor.
Uses of Propofol
Medicinal Benefits
Propofol belongs to a class of drugs known as 'general anesthetic,' containing Propofol, primarily used in giving anesthesia for major surgical procedures. It allows the procedures to be carried out without pain and distress. It works by causing loss of consciousness, which is reversible. It generally slows down the brain and central nervous system, which is the conscious center. It is also used in people on a ventilator or who need critical care to sedate the patient.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Propofol
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Local site pain
- Changes in your breathing pattern
- Slow heartbeat
Drug Warnings
Do not take Propofol if you are allergic to Propofol or any of its ingredients. Propofol should always be administered by a doctor or a trained professional as over-dose can cause excessive sedation which can be fatal. Do not drive or operate any machinery as Propofol affects alertness. If you are pregnant, planning got conceive or are breastfeeding, Propofol should be taken only after informing your doctor. Maintain a gap of 24 hours after using Propofol and breastfeeding. The doctor will constantly monitor your blood pressure, oxygen level, breathing pattern and kidney function while the surgery goes on.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Propofol is known to interact with tuberculosis medication (rifampicin), anti-epilepsy medicines (lorazepam, diazepam), heart medicines (diltiazem, verapamil), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin), water pills (furosemide), mental illness medicines (midazolam, alprazolam).
Drug-Food Interaction: Propofol should not be taken along with alcohol as it might further increase sleepiness.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Propofol is known to interact in patients who have or ever had fits, high levels of fat in the blood, dehydration (lost lots of water), heart, liver or kidney problems, and mitochondrial disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafePropofol can affect alertness if taken along with alcohol. So, the consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it might further reduce alertness.
Pregnancy
unsafePropofol is not recommended in the last trimester of the pregnancy as it may affect the baby's brain's growth.
Breast Feeding
unsafePropofol is known to pass through the breastmilk. So, it is not advised to take Propofol during breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for further advice.
Driving
unsafePropofol can affect alertness and coordination as it is known to cause drowsiness. So, operating machinery which requires concentration should be avoided.
Liver
cautionPropofol to be taken with caution, especially if you have had a history of liver disease. Your doctor will have to change the dosage depending on your medical condition and your reaction to treatment.
Kidney
cautionPropofol to be taken with caution, especially if you have had a history of kidney disease. Your doctor will have to change the dosage depending on your medical condition and your reaction to treatment.
Children
cautionPropofol is not recommended for children below the age of 3 years. For children aged above three, take in dose and duration advised by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do not consume alcohol while taking Propofol as it might increase the sedation.
- Eat a low-calorie diet generally home-cooked for a speedy recovery.
- Avoid junk food, oily and spicy food as you have undergone surgery.
- Also, in case of sleep disturbances, try to spend time with family, which will change your mood and help you to fall asleep.
- Limit the screen time as it also alters your sleep cycle.
Special Advise
- Do not self administer Propofol. It should be done by a doctor only.
- Constant monitoring of breathing pattern, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function is required.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
General Anaesthesia: It is a medication given before surgery to put you to sleep so that you do not feel the pain as you are unconscious. It is more than sleep as the brain does not respond to the pain signals. A trained person who is specialized in anaesthesia generally gives the anesthesia as an intravenous infusion or injection form.
FAQs
Propofol belongs to a class of drugs known as 'general anesthetic,' containing Propofol, primarily used in giving anesthesia for major surgical procedures. It generally slows down the brain and central nervous system, which is the conscious center.
The most common side effects of Propofol include hypotension (low blood pressure), nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, local site pain, changes in your breathing pattern, slow heartbeat. Most of these side effects of Propofol do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
It is advised that you should not take Propofol if you are allergic to eggs as it may cause an allergic reaction which can be serious. It is best to inform your doctor and do as advised for the best results.
The doctor will constantly monitor your breathing pattern, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function and other vital signs while taking Propofol.
No, Propofol is not a narcotic, it is a general anesthetic used to sedate before major surgery. It has some addictive effect, which is still being studied.
Yes, Propofol is known to cause hypotension (low blood pressure). So, constant monitoring of blood pressure is required while you undergo surgery to avoid any sudden drop in blood pressure, which can be fatal.
