Diprivan (Propofol)
Propofol Classification:
Sedative hypnotic. Produces rapid hypnosis with minimal excitation.
Dosage/Administration
| 
 Route  | 
 Onset of Action  | 
 Peak Effect  | 
 Duration of Action  | 
|---|---|---|---|
| 
 IV  | 
 40 seconds  | 
 1 minute  | 
 5-10 minutes  | 
Adult dose
25 – 50mg (0.5 – 1 mg/kg) IV, administered in 10 mg increments over several minutes.
- Pain on injection is decreased with IV lidocaine, 0.1 mg/kg, added to the diprivan emulsion.
 
- Strict aseptic technique must be maintained in handling, as diprivan is preservative free and will support bacterial growth.
 
- Diprivan injection should be prepared for single patient use only, just prior to the initiation of each procedure. Discard after opened for 6 hours.
 
Pediatric dose:
0.5 – 1.0mg/kg infused slowly and titrated to desired effect.
Adverse Reactions:
- Respiratory effects – respiratory depression, apnea, hiccup, bronchospasm, laryngospasm
 
- Cardiovascular effects –hypotension, arrhythmia, tachycardia, bradycardia, hypertension
 
- CNS effects – headache, dizziness, euphoria, myoclonic/clonic movement, seizures, and sexual illusions.
 
- GI effects– nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps
 
- Special considerations – this drug must be titrated to effect and administered slowly to prevent the occurrence of adverse reactions. Reduce dose in elderly, hypovolemic, and high-risk patients. Potentiation occurs when combined with narcotic analgesics and CNS depressants.
 
Reversal:
There is no pharmacologic reversal agent for Propofol.