Propofol injection

What is this medicine?

PROPOFOL (proe POE fol) is an anesthetic. It is used to produce relaxation and sleep before or during surgery. It is also used in patients on a ventilator.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• signs and symptoms of increased acid in the body like breathing fast; fast heartbeat; headache; confusion; unusually weak or tired; nausea, vomiting

• signs and symptoms of infection like fever; chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

• uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in vision

• drowsiness

• pain, redness or irritation at site where injected

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• narcotic medicines for pain

• valproic acid

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medicine is not for regular use.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• head injury

• heart disease

• high cholesterol

• history of pancreatitis

• kidney disease

• seizures

• an unusual or allergic reaction to propofol, anesthetics, eggs, soy, peanuts, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

You should make sure you get enough zinc while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.