Propofol, Injection PROH-poh-fol

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: anesthetic; sedative hypnotic

Generic and brand names: propofol, injection; Diprivan

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to make you relaxed and put you to sleep before surgery and some diagnostic tests. This medicine may also be used to help people who need a ventilator (machine that helps them breathe). It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine, or to eggs or soy products
• a stroke or head injury
• heart or blood vessel disease
• high cholesterol or high triglycerides
• lung disease or breathing problems
• pancreatitis
• Parkinson's disease
• seizures

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

The injections are given in a hospital or surgery center by a healthcare provider.

Before surgery or other procedures, do not take any medicines, including nonprescription medicines, unless they are approved by your healthcare provider. Do not drink alcohol before or after surgery. Do not take any medicines after receiving this medicine unless approved by your healthcare provider. This is especially important if you go home soon after the procedure.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine makes you drowsy and slows down your body's reactions. If you go home the same day you have surgery, do not drive or operate any machinery until the day after the surgery.

You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help. Also, drinking alcohol may make it worse. Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after taking the medicine when the effects of the medicine have completely worn off.

If you develop any signs of infection such as fever, chills, or body aches shortly after taking this medicine, contact your healthcare provider right away.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you are unable to reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; swelling of your lips; tongue and throat); seizures; fast or slow heartbeat; weak or shallow breathing.

Serious: While you are receiving this medicine, you will be monitored by healthcare providers who will see and treat any serious side effects you may have.

Other: Confusion; anxiety; grogginess; slurred speech; headache; nausea; vomiting; pain or tenderness at the injection site; short-term memory loss; coughing; hiccups.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• alcohol
• antianxiety medicines such as alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and oxazepam
• antipsychotic medicines such as chlorpromazine, olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone prochlorperazine, trifluoperazine, thioridazine (Mellaril), promazine (Sparine), (Risperdal), and ziprasidone (Geodon)
• antiseizure medicines such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), and primidone (Mysoline)
• MAO inhibitor antidepressants such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), and tranylcypromine (Parnate) (Do not take this medicine and an MAO inhibitor within 14 days of each other.)
• medicines to treat colds, flu, allergies, or hay fever, especially antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), and promethazine (Phenergan)
• narcotic pain medicines such as codeine, fentanyl (Duragesic, Actiq), hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin, Lortab), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine), morphine (Kadian, MS Contin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone), oxycodone/acetaminophen (Percocet, Tylox), and pentazocine (Talwin)
• natural remedies such as gotu kola, kava, melatonin, St. John's wort, and valerian
• sleeping pills such as butabarbital (Butisol), chloral hydrate, eszopiclone (Lunesta), flurazepam, temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), zaleplon (Sonata), and zolpidem (Ambien)
• tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin, imipramine (Tofranil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor)
• warfarin (Coumadin)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.