Propofol Anesthesia

Propofol anesthesia has become the induction drug of choice for most of the surgical procedures, especially when rapid and complete awakening is desirable. Continuous IV infusion of Propofol anesthesia with or without other anesthetic drugs, is commonly used in TIVA and for sedation.

Due to its quick onset and offset characteristics it is also becoming popular for day care surgeries.

The induction dose of Propofol anesthesia in healthy adults is 1.5 to 2.5 mg/kg IV. As with barbiturates, children require higher induction doses of propofol due to larger central distribution volume and higher clearance rate.

Elderly patients require a lower induction dose (25% to 50% decrease) as a result of a smaller central distribution volume and decreased clearance rate. The complete awakening without residual CNS effects that is characteristic of propofol is the principal reason this drug has replaced thiopental for induction of anesthesia in many clinical situations.

The typical dose of Propofol anesthesia is 100 to 300 microgram/kg/minute IV. General anesthesia that includes propofol is typically associated with minimal postoperative nausea and vomiting, and awakening is prompt, with minimal residual sedative effects.

Recovery from propofol is rapid and clear-headed with almost no hangover effect. This makes it very suitable for use in outpatient anesthesia and for cardioversion.

2 thoughts on “Propofol Anesthesia”

  1. I had a surgery of appendectomy with the Propofol anesthesia and I felt when the liquid of this anesthesia was invading my chest and gave me an aspiration. Why? This always happen whit this anesthesia?

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