Propofol

Question 1

What is Propofol and its main uses in anesthesia?

Answer 1

Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic widely used for its rapid onset and short action duration, ideal for short procedures, outpatient surgeries, and ICU sedation.

Question 2

Describe the onset and recovery characteristics of Propofol.

Answer 2

Propofol’s action begins within 30 seconds to a minute, facilitating quick recovery post-procedure, making it optimal for reducing recovery room time.

Question 3

How does Propofol affect induction and emergence from anesthesia?

Answer 3

Propofol ensures smooth induction and emergence, offering a calm awakening and reducing post-operative agitation and delirium.

Question 4

What are Propofol’s antiemetic properties?

Answer 4

Propofol significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, enhancing patient comfort post-surgery.

Question 5

Explain the neuroprotective effects of Propofol.

Answer 5

Propofol has potential neuroprotective effects, beneficial in neurosurgical procedures or traumatic brain injury by decreasing brain metabolic rate and harmful molecule production.

Question 6

Discuss Propofol’s antioxidant properties.

Answer 6

Propofol’s antioxidant properties may contribute to neuroprotection and mitigate oxidative stress during surgery.

Question 7

Why is Propofol commonly used for ICU sedation?

Answer 7

Its rapid onset and short duration allow for easy sedation level adjustments and titration, crucial for critically ill patients.

Question 8

Describe Propofol’s bronchodilatory effects.

Answer 8

Propofol can relax airway muscles, providing bronchodilatory effects beneficial for patients with asthma or airway issues.

Question 9

How does Propofol maintain hemodynamic stability?

Answer 9

Propofol has minimal effects on blood pressure and heart rate, important for hemodynamic stability during surgery.

Question 10

Detail Propofol’s mechanism of action.

Answer 10

Propofol enhances GABA-A receptor affinity for GABA, leading to increased chloride ion conductance, hyperpolarization, and suppression of neuronal activity.

Question 11

What is the chemical structure of Propofol?

Answer 11

Propofol is a 2, 6-diisopropyl phenol.

Question 12

How is Propofol formulated and why?

Answer 12

Propofol is prepared as a lipid emulsion (soybean oil, glycerol, and egg lecithin) to facilitate intravenous administration and stability.

Question 13

Discuss the handling and administration guidelines for Propofol.

Answer 13

Propofol should be administered within 6 hours of opening to prevent bacterial growth, under aseptic conditions.

Question 14

Explain the pharmacokinetics of Propofol related to hepatic blood flow.

Answer 14

Propofol’s clearance exceeds hepatic blood flow, indicating significant extrahepatic metabolism.

Question 15

How does Propofol affect cerebral and intraocular pressures?

Answer 15

Propofol decreases cerebral blood flow, oxygen consumption, intracranial pressure, and intraocular pressure, while preserving cerebral autoregulation.

Question 16

What cardiovascular effects does Propofol have?

Answer 16

Propofol decreases systemic vascular resistance, preload, and cardiac contractility, and impairs arterial baroreflex response to hypotension.

Question 17

Discuss the unique effects of Propofol on the central nervous system.

Answer 17

Propofol may cause disinhibition leading to spontaneous excitatory movements and myoclonus, but also has anticonvulsant properties.

Question 18

What are the implications of Propofol use in patients with allergies?

Answer 18

Propofol contains egg lecithin, so patients with egg allergies might demonstrate hypersensitivity, especially to egg white proteins.

Question 19

Define Propofol infusion syndrome and its risks.

Answer 19

Propofol infusion syndrome is a rare but serious condition including cardiomyopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and metabolic acidosis, among other symptoms.

Question 20

How is Propofol dosing affected in older adults?

Answer 20

A smaller induction dose is recommended for older adults due to a smaller volume of distribution.

Question 21

Describe the metabolism and elimination of Propofol.

Answer 21

Propofol is metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites, then eliminated by renal clearance, unaffected by cirrhosis or kidney failure.

Question 22

Address the effects of Propofol on systemic vascular resistance and preload.

Answer 22

Propofol decreases systemic vascular resistance and preload, which can affect blood pressure and cardiac output during surgery.

Question 23

Explain the potential for bacterial growth in Propofol formulations.

Answer 23

Propofol’s lipid emulsion can support bacterial growth, necessitating careful handling and aseptic administration practices.