Some studies on the properties of the intravenous anaesthetic, propofol ('Diprivan')--a review.

Four studies have been carried out on propofol in this department, one being part of a multicentre trial. The minimum induction dose in unpremedicated patients was found to be 2.5 mg/kg. Propofol has been shown to be an acceptable induction agent, although with an incidence of pain on injection which is much higher when small veins are used. When given by continuous infusion to supplement regional anaesthesia, recovery was much more rapid than with methohexitone. The potency of propofol to thiopentone has been shown to be 1:1.604. Slight falls in cardiac output occurred following propofol 2.5 mg/kg, with significant reductions in mean arterial blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance. These changes were greater than those following an equipotent dose of thiopentone 4 mg/kg.