Diprivan (Propofol) must be administered intravenously (IV) by a skilled health care provider. It must be administered in hospital or clinic facilities where the vital signs are continuously monitored.
For Induction of Anesthesia: Diprivan is given as a one-time IV push. The drug dosage will be titrated by the doctor to sedate or make unconscious the patient in a timely and safe manner.
For Maintenance of Anesthesia: After the induction dose has been given, the drug is typically given in continuous manner through continuous infusion by IV drip.
For Sedation in ICU: Propofol in the ICU will typically be given continuously in a regulated decreased dose to provide the sedative level desired.
Point of Importance: Because Diprivan has very rapid onset, within a few minutes after intramuscular administration the patient is sedated or asleep. There should be ongoing monitoring of vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation during and after infusion so as not to harm the patient.
Diprivan (Propofol) works by enhancing the effect of a brain neurotransmitter that is inhibitory in nature called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that places the brain and the nervous system in a state of calmness. Intravenous administration of Propofol stimulates more GABA, which leads to the depression of the brain activity and causes unconsciousness and sedation.
Sedation: Propofol slows down the functioning of the brain and is a sedative, soothing agent, so that patients can withstand procedures or operations.
Induction of Anesthesia: Propofol is an anesthetic that causes unconsciousness wherein the patient is not even aware of his surroundings and cannot feel pain. It is thus perfect for major as well as minor operations.
The action of the drug is temporary, and thus the patients recover immediately when the infusion is interrupted, and hence it is the drug of choice for all the surgeries.
Diprivan is harmless in experienced hands but, as with any medicine, has undesirable side effects extending from innocuous to fatal.
Common Side Effects
Pain or discomfort at the injection site.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) on the day of or after administration.
Difficulty or slowed breathing from respiratory depression.
Nausea and vomiting (less frequent than with other anesthetics).
Serious Side Effects:
Severe allergic reactions, hives, edema, or difficulty in breathing, although highly unlikely.
Cardiac arrest (rarely) due to acute changes in blood pressure or heart rate.
Propofol infusion syndrome: A rare but potentially fatal side effect that can cause breakdown of muscle, abnormal heart rate, and failure of organs, especially when administered at high rates for prolonged periods.
Physicians should watch closely for the initial onset of dangerous side effects.
Diprivan is a medication and can only be administered by a health care provider in a controlled environment, including in the hospital, surgery center, or intensive care unit (ICU). Diprivan should never be administered at home or by a person alone.