Health Library

Propofol (By injection)

Propofol (PROE-poe-fol)

Helps you relax or sleep before and during surgery or other medical procedures. This medicine is an anesthetic and a sedative.

Brand Name(s):

Diprivan, Diprivan Novaplus, Fresenius Propoven, PremierPro Rx Diprivan

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• You will receive this medicine in a hospital or surgery center. A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how propofol works. Tell your doctor if you are using valproate.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, or high cholesterol. Tell your doctor if you have a history of head injury, stroke, or seizures (including epilepsy).
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Low blood pressure
  • Lung or breathing problems
  • Heart or blood vessel problems
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Confusion, weakness, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Lower back or side pain
• Muscle pain, tightness, or weakness
• Pain or fullness in your upper stomach
• Seizures
• Slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat, cold sweat, bluish-colored skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea or vomiting
• Pain, burning, stinging, swelling, blistering, or skin changes where the needle is placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024