Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.
Shake well before use. Do not use if there is evidence of excessive creaming or aggregation, if large droplets are visible, or if there are other forms of phase separation indicating that the stability of the product has been compromised. Slight creaming, which should disappear after shaking, may be visible upon prolonged standing. Do not use if there is evidence of separation of the phases of the emulsion.
Propofol injectable emulsion with EDTA inhibits microbial growth for up to 12 hours, as demonstrated by test data for representative USP microorganisms. Product is packaged under nitrogen.
For general anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care (MAC) sedation, propofol injectable emulsion should be administered only by persons trained in the administration of general anesthesia and not involved in the conduct of the surgical/diagnostic procedure. Sedated patients should be continuously monitored, and equipment for maintaining a patent airway, providing artificial ventilation, administering supplemental oxygen, and instituting cardiovascular resuscitation must be immediately available. Patients should be continuously monitored for early signs of hypotension, apnea, airway obstruction, and/or oxygen desaturation. These cardiorespiratory effects are more likely to occur following rapid bolus administration, especially in the elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients.
For sedation of intubated, mechanically ventilated adult patients in the Intensive Care Unit, propofol injectable emulsion should be administered only by persons skilled in the management of critically ill patients and trained in cardiovascular resuscitation and airway management.
Guidelines for Aseptic Technique for General Anesthesia/MAC Sedation
Propofol injectable emulsion must be prepared for use just prior to initiation of each individual anesthetic/sedative procedure. The vial rubber stopper should be disinfected using 70% isopropyl alcohol. Propofol injectable emulsion should be drawn into a sterile syringe immediately after a vial is opened. When withdrawing propofol injectable emulsion from vials, a sterile vent spike should be used. The syringe should be labelled with appropriate information including the date and time the vial was opened. Administration should commence promptly and be completed within 12 hours after the vial has been opened.
Propofol injectable emulsion must be prepared for single patient use only. Any unused propofol injectable emulsion drug product, reservoirs, dedicated administration tubing and/or solutions containing propofol injectable emulsion must be discarded at the end of the anesthetic procedure or at 12 hours, whichever occurs sooner. The intravenous line should be flushed every 12 hours and at the end of the anesthetic procedure to remove residual propofol injectable emulsion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Guidelines for Aseptic Technique for ICU Sedation
Propofol injectable emulsion must be prepared for single patient use only. Strict aseptic techniques must be followed. The vial rubber stopper should be disinfected using 70% isopropyl alcohol. A sterile vent spike and sterile tubing must be used for administration of propofol injectable emulsion. As with other lipid emulsions, the number of intravenous line manipulations should be minimized. Administration should commence promptly and must be completed within 12 hours after the vial has been spiked. The tubing and any unused propofol injectable emulsion drug product must be discarded after 12 hours.
If propofol injectable emulsion is transferred to a syringe prior to administration, it should be drawn into a sterile syringe immediately after a vial is opened. When withdrawing propofol injectable emulsion from a vial, a sterile vent spike should be used. The syringe should be labelled with appropriate information including the date and time the vial was opened. Administration should commence promptly and be completed within 12 hours after the vial has been opened. Propofol injectable emulsion should be discarded and administration lines changed after 12 hours [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Administration with Lidocaine
If lidocaine is to be administered to minimize pain on injection of propofol injectable emulsion, it is recommended that it be administered prior to propofol injectable emulsion administration or that it be added to propofol injectable emulsion immediately before administration and in quantities not exceeding 20 mg lidocaine/200 mg propofol injectable emulsion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)].
Compatibility and Stability
Propofol injectable emulsion should not be mixed with other therapeutic agents prior to administration.
Dilution Prior to Administration
Propofol injectable emulsion is provided as a ready-to-use formulation. However, should dilution be necessary, it should only be diluted with 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, and it should not be diluted to a concentration less than 2 mg/mL because it is an emulsion. In diluted form it has been shown to be more stable when in contact with glass than with plastic (95% potency after 2 hours of running infusion in plastic).
Administration with Other Fluids
Compatibility of propofol injectable emulsion with the coadministration of blood/serum/plasma has not been established [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15)].
When administered using a y-type infusion set, propofol injectable emulsion has been shown to be compatible with the following intravenous fluids:
Administration with Pumps
When administering propofol injectable emulsion by infusion, syringe or volumetric pumps are recommended to provide controlled infusion rates. When infusing propofol injectable emulsion to patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging, metered control devices may be utilized if mechanical pumps are impractical.
Administration with Filters
Clinical experience with the use of in-line filters and propofol injectable emulsion during anesthesia or ICU/MAC sedation is limited. Propofol injectable emulsion should only be administered through a filter with a pore size of 5 micron or greater unless it has been demonstrated that the filter does not restrict the flow of propofol injectable emulsion and/or cause the breakdown of the emulsion. Filters should be used with caution and where clinically appropriate. Continuous monitoring is necessary due to the potential for restricted flow and/or breakdown of the emulsion.
Adult Patients
Most adult patients under 65 years of age and classified as ASA-PS I or II require 2 mg/kg to 2.5 mg/kg of propofol injectable emulsion. For induction, whether administered by infusion or intravenous injection the dose of propofol injectable emulsion to the patient should be titrated against the response of the patient and until there are clinical signs consistent with the onset of anesthesia. As with other sedative-hypnotic agents, the amount of intravenous opioid and/or benzodiazepine premedication may impact the dose of propofol injectable emulsion required for induction of general anesthesia.
Elderly, Debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV Patients
Due to the reduced clearance and higher blood concentrations, most elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients require approximately 1 mg/kg to 1.5 mg/kg of propofol injectable emulsion for induction of anesthesia. For induction, whether administered by infusion or intravenous injection the dose administration of propofol injectable emulsion to the patient should be titrated against the response of the patient and until there are clinical signs consistent with the onset of anesthesia. A rapid bolus may increase the likelihood of undesirable cardiorespiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].
Pediatric Patients
Most patients aged 3 years through 16 years and classified ASA-PS I or II require 2.5 mg/kg to 3.5 mg/kg of propofol injectable emulsion for induction. Within this dosage range, younger pediatric patients may require higher induction doses than older pediatric patients. As with other sedative-hypnotic agents, the amount of intravenous opioid and/or benzodiazepine premedication may impact the dose of propofol injectable emulsion required for induction of general anesthesia. A lower dosage is recommended for pediatric patients classified as ASA-PS III or IV. Boluses of propofol injectable emulsion may be administered via small veins if pretreated with lidocaine or via antecubital or larger veins [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)].
Neurosurgical Patients
Most adult neurosurgical patients require 1 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg of propofol injectable emulsion. Slower induction is recommended to allow for titration to achieve an adequate clinical response [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. Whether administered by infusion or an intravenous injection, the dose of propofol injectable emulsion to the patient should be titrated against the response of the patient and until there are clinical signs consistent with the onset of anesthesia.
Cardiac Anesthesia
Most adult cardiac patients require 0.5 mg/kg to 1.5 mg/kg of propofol injectable emulsion. Slower induction is recommended to allow for titration to clinical response and to prevent hemodynamic instability. Whether administered by infusion or intravenous injection, the dose of propofol injectable emulsion to the patient should be titrated against the response of the patient until the clinical signs show the onset of anesthesia. Other agents used in addition to propofol injectable emulsion for induction and maintenance of anesthesia may require propofol injectable emulsion doses to be titrated to ensure adequate sedation level.
Propofol injectable emulsion has been well-studied in patients with coronary artery disease and in patients with hemodynamically significant valvular or congenital heart disease. No significant safety issues or changes to the induction of anesthesia is generally required for these patient groups. Dosing should be titrated based on depth of anesthesia.
As with other anesthetic and sedative-hypnotic agents, propofol injectable emulsion in healthy patients causes a decrease in blood pressure that is secondary to decreases in preload (ventricular filling volume at the end of the diastole) and afterload (arterial resistance at the beginning of the systole). The magnitude of these changes is proportional to the blood and effect site concentrations achieved. These concentrations depend upon the dose and speed of the induction and maintenance infusion rates.
In addition, lower heart rates are observed during maintenance with propofol injectable emulsion, possibly due to reduction of the sympathetic activity and/or resetting of the baroreceptor reflexes. Therefore, anticholinergic agents should be administered when increases in vagal tone are anticipated.
As with other anesthetic agents, propofol injectable emulsion reduces myocardial oxygen consumption.
Further studies are needed to confirm and delineate the extent of these effects on the myocardium and the coronary vascular system.
Morphine premedication (0.15 mg/kg) with nitrous oxide 67% in oxygen has been shown to decrease the necessary propofol injectable emulsion maintenance infusion rates and therapeutic blood concentrations when compared to non-narcotic (lorazepam) premedication. The rate of propofol injectable emulsion administration should be determined based on the patient's premedication and adjusted according to clinical responses.
Propofol injectable emulsion has been used with a variety of agents commonly used in anesthesia such as atropine, scopolamine, glycopyrrolate, diazepam, depolarizing and nondepolarizing muscle relaxants, and opioid analgesics, as well as with inhalational and regional anesthetic agents.
In the elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients, rapid bolus doses should not be used, as this will increase the likelihood of undesirable cardiorespiratory depression.
Adult Patients
In adults, anesthesia can be maintained by administering propofol injectable emulsion by infusion or intermittent intravenous bolus injection. The patient's clinical response will determine the infusion rate or the amount and frequency of incremental injections.
Continuous Infusion
Propofol injectable emulsion 100 mcg/kg/min to 200 mcg/kg/min administered in a variable rate infusion with 60% to 70% nitrous oxide and oxygen provides anesthesia for patients undergoing general surgery. Maintenance by infusion of propofol injectable emulsion should immediately follow the induction dose in order to provide satisfactory or continuous anesthesia during the induction phase. During this initial period following the induction dose, higher rates of infusion are generally required (150 mcg/kg/min to 200 mcg/kg/min) for the first 10 minutes to 15 minutes. Infusion rates should subsequently be decreased 30% to 50% during the first half-hour of maintenance. Generally, rates of 50 mcg/kg/min to 100 mcg/kg/min in adults should be achieved during maintenance in order to optimize recovery times.
Other drugs that cause CNS depression (hypnotics/sedatives, inhalational anesthetics, and opioids) can increase the CNS depression induced by propofol.
Intermittent Bolus
Increments of propofol injectable emulsion 25 mg (2.5 mL) to 50 mg (5 mL) may be administered in adult patients undergoing general surgery. The incremental boluses should be administered when changes in vital signs indicate a response to surgical stimulation or light anesthesia.
Cardiac Anesthesia
The maintenance dose of propofol in adult cardiac patients should be administered as 25 to 100 mcg/kg/min, and should be adjusted according to the patient’s sedation level and clinical response.
Pediatric Patients
In children greater than or equal to 2 months of age, anesthesia can be maintained by administering propofol injectable emulsion by infusion or intermittent intravenous bolus injection. An initial bolus of between 1-4 mg/kg, followed by subsequent administration of smaller aliquots based on patients’ response (0.5 - 2 mg/kg). The patient's clinical response will determine the infusion rate or the amount and frequency of incremental injections.
Continuous Infusion
Propofol injectable emulsion administered as a variable rate infusion provides satisfactory anesthesia for most children 2 months of age or older, ASA-PS I or II, undergoing general anesthesia.
In general, for the pediatric population, maintenance by infusion of propofol injectable emulsion at a rate of 200 mcg/kg/min to 300 mcg/kg/min should immediately follow the induction dose. Following the first half-hour of maintenance, infusion rates of 125 mcg/kg/min to 150 mcg/kg/min are typically needed. Propofol injectable emulsion should be titrated to achieve the desired clinical effect. Younger pediatric patients may require higher maintenance infusion rates than older pediatric patients [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
Intermittent Bolus
An initial bolus of 1-4 mg/kg should be administered, with additional 0.5 to 2 mg/kg doses as needed. The incremental boluses should be administered when changes in vital signs indicate a response to surgical stimulation or light anesthesia.
When propofol injectable emulsion is administered for MAC sedation, rates of administration should be individualized and titrated to clinical response. In most patients, the rates of propofol injectable emulsion administration will be in the range of 25 mcg/kg/min to 75 mcg/kg/min.
During initiation of MAC sedation, slow infusion or slow injection techniques are preferable over rapid bolus administration. During maintenance of MAC sedation, a variable rate infusion is preferable over intermittent bolus dose administration. In the elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients, rapid (single or repeated) bolus dose administration should not be used for MAC sedation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]. A rapid bolus injection may result in undesirable cardiorespiratory depression.
Initiation of MAC Sedation in Adult Patients
For initiation of MAC sedation, either an infusion or a slow injection method may be utilized while closely monitoring cardiorespiratory function. With the infusion method, sedation may be initiated by infusing propofol injectable emulsion at 100 mcg/kg/min to 150 mcg/kg/min (6 mg/kg/hour to 9 mg/kg/hour) for a period of 3 minutes to 5 minutes and titrating to the desired clinical effect while closely monitoring respiratory function. With the slow injection method for initiation, patients will require approximately 0.5 mg/kg administered over 3 minutes to 5 minutes and titrated to clinical responses. When propofol injectable emulsion is administered slowly over 3 minutes to 5 minutes, most patients will be adequately sedated, and the peak drug effect can be achieved while minimizing undesirable cardiorespiratory effects occurring at high plasma levels.
In the elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients, rapid (single or repeated) bolus dose administration should not be used for MAC sedation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]. The rate of administration should be over 3 minutes to 5 minutes and the dosage of propofol injectable emulsion should be reduced to approximately 80% of the usual adult dosage in these patients according to their condition, responses, and changes in vital signs.
Maintenance of MAC Sedation in Adult Patients
For maintenance of sedation, a variable rate infusion method is preferable over an intermittent bolus dose method. With the variable rate infusion method, patients will generally require maintenance rates of 25 mcg/kg/min to 75 mcg/kg/min (1.5 mg/kg/hour to 4.5 mg/kg/hour) during the first 10 minutes to 15 minutes of sedation maintenance. Infusion rates should subsequently be decreased over time to 25 mcg/kg/min to 50 mcg/kg/min and adjusted to clinical responses. In titrating to clinical effect, allow approximately 2 minutes for onset of peak drug effect.
Infusion rates should always be titrated downward in the absence of clinical signs of light sedation until mild responses to stimulation are obtained in order to avoid sedative administration of propofol injectable emulsion at rates higher than are clinically necessary.
If the intermittent bolus dose method is used, increments of propofol injectable emulsion 10 mg (1 mL) or 20 mg (2 mL) can be administered and titrated to desired clinical effect. With the intermittent bolus method of sedation maintenance, there is increased potential for respiratory depression, transient increases in sedation depth, and prolongation of recovery.
In the elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients, rapid (single or repeated) bolus dose administration should not be used for MAC sedation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]. The rate of administration and the dosage of propofol injectable emulsion should be reduced to approximately 80% of the usual adult dosage in these patients according to their condition, responses, and changes in vital signs.
Propofol injectable emulsion can be administered as the sole agent for maintenance of MAC sedation during surgical/diagnostic procedures. When propofol injectable emulsion sedation is supplemented with opioid and/or benzodiazepine medications, these agents increase the sedative and respiratory effects of propofol injectable emulsion and may also result in a slower recovery profile [see Drug Interactions (7)].
Changes in vital signs indicating a stress response to surgical stimulation or the emergence from anesthesia may be controlled by the administration of 25 mg (2.5 mL) to 50 mg (5 mL) incremental boluses and/or by increasing the infusion rate of propofol injectable emulsion.
For minor surgical procedures (e.g., body surface) nitrous oxide (60% to 70%) can be combined with a variable rate propofol injectable emulsion infusion to provide satisfactory anesthesia. With more stimulating surgical procedures (e.g., intra-abdominal), or if supplementation with nitrous oxide is not provided, administration rate(s) of propofol injectable emulsion and/or opioids should be increased in order to provide adequate anesthesia.
Infusion rates should always be titrated downward in the absence of clinical signs of light anesthesia in order to avoid administration of propofol injectable emulsion at rates higher than are clinically necessary. Generally, rates of 50 mcg/kg/min to 100 mcg/kg/min in adults should be achieved during maintenance in order to optimize recovery times.
Other drugs that cause CNS depression (hypnotics/sedatives, inhalational anesthetics, and opioids) can increase CNS depression induced by propofol. Morphine premedication (0.15 mg/kg) with nitrous oxide 67% in oxygen has been shown to decrease the necessary propofol injection maintenance infusion rate and therapeutic blood concentrations when compared to non-narcotic (lorazepam) premedication.
Propofol blood concentrations at steady state are generally proportional to infusion rates, especially in individual patients. Undesirable effects such as cardiorespiratory depression are likely to occur at higher blood concentrations which result from bolus dosing or rapid increases in the infusion rate. An adequate interval (3 minutes to 5 minutes) must be allowed between dose adjustments to allow for and assess the clinical effects.
In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), propofol injectable emulsion can be administered to intubated, mechanically ventilated adult patients to provide continuous sedation and control of stress responses only by persons skilled in the medical management of critically ill patients and trained in cardiovascular resuscitation and airway management.
Propofol injectable emulsion should be individualized according to the patient's condition and response, blood lipid profile, and vital signs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8, 5.9, and 5.10)]. For intubated, mechanically ventilated adult patients, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) sedation should be initiated slowly with a continuous infusion in order to titrate to desired clinical effect and minimize hypotension. When indicated, initiation of sedation should begin at 5 mcg/kg/min (0.3 mg/kg/hour). The infusion rate should be increased by increments of 5 mcg/kg/min to 10 mcg/kg/min (0.3 mg/kg/hour to 0.6 mg/kg/hour) until the desired level of sedation is achieved. A minimum period of 5 minutes between adjustments should be allowed for onset of peak drug effect.
Most adult ICU patients recovering from the effects of general anesthesia or deep sedation will require maintenance rates of 5 mcg/kg/min to 50 mcg/kg/min (0.3 mg/kg/hour to 3 mg/kg/hour) titrated to desired level of clinical response. With medical ICU patients or patients who have recovered from the effects of general anesthesia or deep sedation, the rate of administration of 50 mcg/kg/min or higher may be required to achieve adequate sedation. These higher rates of administration may increase the likelihood of patients developing hypotension. Administration should not exceed 4 mg/kg/hour unless the benefits outweigh the risks [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Dosage and rate of administration should be individualized and titrated to the desired effect, according to clinically relevant factors including the patient’s underlying medical problems, preinduction and concomitant medications, age, ASA-PS classification, and level of debilitation of the patient. The elderly, debilitated, and ASA-PS III or IV patients may have exaggerated hemodynamic and respiratory responses to rapid bolus doses [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].
Dosages of propofol injectable emulsion should be reduced in patients who have received large dosages of opioids. The propofol injectable emulsion dosage requirement may also be reduced by adequate management of pain with analgesic agents. As with other sedative medications, there is interpatient variability in dosage requirements, and these requirements may change with time [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)].
Evaluation of level of sedation and assessment of CNS function should be carried out daily throughout maintenance to determine the minimum dose of propofol injectable emulsion required for sedation [see Clinical Studies (14.4)]. Bolus administration of 10 mg or 20 mg should only be used to rapidly increase depth of sedation in patients where hypotension is not likely to occur. Patients with compromised myocardial function, intravascular volume depletion, or abnormally low vascular tone (e.g., sepsis) may be more susceptible to hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Abrupt discontinuation of propofol injectable emulsion prior to weaning or for daily evaluation of sedation levels should be avoided [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Dosages and rates of administration in the following table should be individualized and titrated to clinical response. Safety and dosing requirements for induction of anesthesia in pediatric patients have only been established for children 3 years of age or older. Safety and dosing requirements for the maintenance of anesthesia have only been established for children 2 months of age and older.
INDICATION | DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION |
Induction of General Anesthesia: | Healthy Adults Less Than 65 Years of Age: 2 mg/kg to 2.5 mg/kg until induction onset, as determined by clinical response of the patient. Elderly, Debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV Patients: 1 mg/kg to 1.5 mg/kg until induction onset, as determined by clinical response to the onset of anesthesia. Cardiac Anesthesia: 0.5 mg/kg to 1.5 mg/kg until induction onset, as determined by clinical response of the patient. Neurosurgical Patients: 1 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg until induction onset, as determined by clinical response of the patient. Pediatric Patients – healthy, from 3 years to 16 years of age: 2.5 mg/kg to 3.5 mg/kg administered until induction onset, as determined by clinical response of the patient [see Pediatric Use (8.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. |
Maintenance of General Anesthesia: | Infusion Healthy Adults Less Than 65 Years of Age: Infusion of 100 mcg/kg/min to 200 mcg/kg/min (6 mg/kg/hour to 12 mg/kg/hour). Elderly, Debilitated, ASA-PS III or IV Patients: Infusion of 50 mcg/kg/min to 100 mcg/kg/min (3 mg/kg/hour to 6 mg/kg/hour). Cardiac Anesthesia: Infusion of 25 mcg/kg/min to 100 mcg/kg/min Neurosurgical Patients: Infusion of 100 mcg/kg/min to 200 mcg/kg/min (6 mg/kg/hour to 12 mg/kg/hour). Pediatric Patients - healthy, from 2 months of age to 16 years of age: Infusion of 125 mcg/kg/min to 300 mcg/kg/min (7.5 mg/kg/hour to 18 mg/kg/hour). Following the first half hour of maintenance, if clinical signs of light anesthesia are not present, the infusion rate should be decreased [see Pediatric Use (8.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. |
Intermittent Bolus Healthy Adults Less Than 65 Years of Age: Increments of 20 mg to 50 mg as needed. | |
Initiation of MAC Sedation: | Healthy Adults Less Than 65 Years of Age: Slow infusion or slow injection techniques are recommended to avoid apnea or hypotension. Most patients require an infusion of 100 mcg/kg/min to 150 mcg/kg/min (6 mg/kg/hour to 9 mg/kg/hour) for 3 minutes to 5 minutes or a slow injection of 0.5 mg/kg over 3 minutes to 5 minutes followed immediately by a maintenance infusion. Elderly, Debilitated, Neurosurgical, or ASA-PS III or IV Patients: Most patients require dosages similar to healthy adults. Rapid boluses are to be avoided [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]. |
Maintenance of MAC Sedation: | Healthy Adults Less Than 65 Years of Age: A variable rate infusion technique is preferable over an intermittent bolus technique. Most patients require an infusion of 25 mcg/kg/min to 75 mcg/kg/min (1.5 mg/kg/hour to 4.5 mg/kg/hour) or incremental bolus doses of 10 mg or 20 mg. In Elderly, Debilitated, Neurosurgical, or ASA-PS III or IV Patients: Most patients require 80% of the usual adult dose. A rapid (single or repeated) bolus dose should not be used [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]. |
Initiation and Maintenance of ICU Sedation in Intubated, Mechanically Ventilated Adult Patients: | Adult Patients – Because of the residual effects of previous anesthetic or sedative agents, in most patients the initial infusion should be 5 mcg/kg/min (0.3 mg/kg/hour) for at least 5 minutes. Subsequent increments of 5 mcg/kg/min to 10 mcg/kg/min (0.3 mg/kg/hour to 0.6 mg/kg/hour) over 5 minutes to 10 minutes may be used until desired clinical effect is achieved. Maintenance rates of 5 mcg/kg/min to 50 mcg/kg/min (0.3 mg/kg/hour to 3 mg/kg/hour) or higher may be required. Administration should not exceed 4 mg/kg/hour unless the benefits outweigh the risks [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]. Evaluation of clinical effect and assessment of CNS function should be carried out daily throughout maintenance to determine the minimum dose of propofol injectable emulsion required for sedation. The tubing and any unused propofol injectable emulsion drug product should be discarded after 12 hours because propofol injectable emulsion contains no preservatives and is capable of supporting growth of microorganisms [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. |
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.
Shake well before use. Do not use if there is evidence of excessive creaming or aggregation, if large droplets are visible, or if there are other forms of phase separation indicating that the stability of the product has been compromised. Slight creaming, which should disappear after shaking, may be visible upon prolonged standing. Do not use if there is evidence of separation of the phases of the emulsion.
Propofol injectable emulsion with EDTA inhibits microbial growth for up to 12 hours, as demonstrated by test data for representative USP microorganisms. Product is packaged under nitrogen.
For general anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care (MAC) sedation, propofol injectable emulsion should be administered only by persons trained in the administration of general anesthesia and not involved in the conduct of the surgical/diagnostic procedure. Sedated patients should be continuously monitored, and equipment for maintaining a patent airway, providing artificial ventilation, administering supplemental oxygen, and instituting cardiovascular resuscitation must be immediately available. Patients should be continuously monitored for early signs of hypotension, apnea, airway obstruction, and/or oxygen desaturation. These cardiorespiratory effects are more likely to occur following rapid bolus administration, especially in the elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients.
For sedation of intubated, mechanically ventilated adult patients in the Intensive Care Unit, propofol injectable emulsion should be administered only by persons skilled in the management of critically ill patients and trained in cardiovascular resuscitation and airway management.
Guidelines for Aseptic Technique for General Anesthesia/MAC Sedation
Propofol injectable emulsion must be prepared for use just prior to initiation of each individual anesthetic/sedative procedure. The vial rubber stopper should be disinfected using 70% isopropyl alcohol. Propofol injectable emulsion should be drawn into a sterile syringe immediately after a vial is opened. When withdrawing propofol injectable emulsion from vials, a sterile vent spike should be used. The syringe should be labelled with appropriate information including the date and time the vial was opened. Administration should commence promptly and be completed within 12 hours after the vial has been opened.
Propofol injectable emulsion must be prepared for single patient use only. Any unused propofol injectable emulsion drug product, reservoirs, dedicated administration tubing and/or solutions containing propofol injectable emulsion must be discarded at the end of the anesthetic procedure or at 12 hours, whichever occurs sooner. The intravenous line should be flushed every 12 hours and at the end of the anesthetic procedure to remove residual propofol injectable emulsion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Guidelines for Aseptic Technique for ICU Sedation
Propofol injectable emulsion must be prepared for single patient use only. Strict aseptic techniques must be followed. The vial rubber stopper should be disinfected using 70% isopropyl alcohol. A sterile vent spike and sterile tubing must be used for administration of propofol injectable emulsion. As with other lipid emulsions, the number of intravenous line manipulations should be minimized. Administration should commence promptly and must be completed within 12 hours after the vial has been spiked. The tubing and any unused propofol injectable emulsion drug product must be discarded after 12 hours.
If propofol injectable emulsion is transferred to a syringe prior to administration, it should be drawn into a sterile syringe immediately after a vial is opened. When withdrawing propofol injectable emulsion from a vial, a sterile vent spike should be used. The syringe should be labelled with appropriate information including the date and time the vial was opened. Administration should commence promptly and be completed within 12 hours after the vial has been opened. Propofol injectable emulsion should be discarded and administration lines changed after 12 hours [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Administration with Lidocaine
If lidocaine is to be administered to minimize pain on injection of propofol injectable emulsion, it is recommended that it be administered prior to propofol injectable emulsion administration or that it be added to propofol injectable emulsion immediately before administration and in quantities not exceeding 20 mg lidocaine/200 mg propofol injectable emulsion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)].
Compatibility and Stability
Propofol injectable emulsion should not be mixed with other therapeutic agents prior to administration.
Dilution Prior to Administration
Propofol injectable emulsion is provided as a ready-to-use formulation. However, should dilution be necessary, it should only be diluted with 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, and it should not be diluted to a concentration less than 2 mg/mL because it is an emulsion. In diluted form it has been shown to be more stable when in contact with glass than with plastic (95% potency after 2 hours of running infusion in plastic).
Administration with Other Fluids
Compatibility of propofol injectable emulsion with the coadministration of blood/serum/plasma has not been established [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15)].
When administered using a y-type infusion set, propofol injectable emulsion has been shown to be compatible with the following intravenous fluids:
Administration with Pumps
When administering propofol injectable emulsion by infusion, syringe or volumetric pumps are recommended to provide controlled infusion rates. When infusing propofol injectable emulsion to patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging, metered control devices may be utilized if mechanical pumps are impractical.
Administration with Filters
Clinical experience with the use of in-line filters and propofol injectable emulsion during anesthesia or ICU/MAC sedation is limited. Propofol injectable emulsion should only be administered through a filter with a pore size of 5 micron or greater unless it has been demonstrated that the filter does not restrict the flow of propofol injectable emulsion and/or cause the breakdown of the emulsion. Filters should be used with caution and where clinically appropriate. Continuous monitoring is necessary due to the potential for restricted flow and/or breakdown of the emulsion.
Adult Patients
Most adult patients under 65 years of age and classified as ASA-PS I or II require 2 mg/kg to 2.5 mg/kg of propofol injectable emulsion. For induction, whether administered by infusion or intravenous injection the dose of propofol injectable emulsion to the patient should be titrated against the response of the patient and until there are clinical signs consistent with the onset of anesthesia. As with other sedative-hypnotic agents, the amount of intravenous opioid and/or benzodiazepine premedication may impact the dose of propofol injectable emulsion required for induction of general anesthesia.
Elderly, Debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV Patients
Due to the reduced clearance and higher blood concentrations, most elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients require approximately 1 mg/kg to 1.5 mg/kg of propofol injectable emulsion for induction of anesthesia. For induction, whether administered by infusion or intravenous injection the dose administration of propofol injectable emulsion to the patient should be titrated against the response of the patient and until there are clinical signs consistent with the onset of anesthesia. A rapid bolus may increase the likelihood of undesirable cardiorespiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].
Pediatric Patients
Most patients aged 3 years through 16 years and classified ASA-PS I or II require 2.5 mg/kg to 3.5 mg/kg of propofol injectable emulsion for induction. Within this dosage range, younger pediatric patients may require higher induction doses than older pediatric patients. As with other sedative-hypnotic agents, the amount of intravenous opioid and/or benzodiazepine premedication may impact the dose of propofol injectable emulsion required for induction of general anesthesia. A lower dosage is recommended for pediatric patients classified as ASA-PS III or IV. Boluses of propofol injectable emulsion may be administered via small veins if pretreated with lidocaine or via antecubital or larger veins [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)].
Neurosurgical Patients
Most adult neurosurgical patients require 1 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg of propofol injectable emulsion. Slower induction is recommended to allow for titration to achieve an adequate clinical response [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. Whether administered by infusion or an intravenous injection, the dose of propofol injectable emulsion to the patient should be titrated against the response of the patient and until there are clinical signs consistent with the onset of anesthesia.
Cardiac Anesthesia
Most adult cardiac patients require 0.5 mg/kg to 1.5 mg/kg of propofol injectable emulsion. Slower induction is recommended to allow for titration to clinical response and to prevent hemodynamic instability. Whether administered by infusion or intravenous injection, the dose of propofol injectable emulsion to the patient should be titrated against the response of the patient until the clinical signs show the onset of anesthesia. Other agents used in addition to propofol injectable emulsion for induction and maintenance of anesthesia may require propofol injectable emulsion doses to be titrated to ensure adequate sedation level.
Propofol injectable emulsion has been well-studied in patients with coronary artery disease and in patients with hemodynamically significant valvular or congenital heart disease. No significant safety issues or changes to the induction of anesthesia is generally required for these patient groups. Dosing should be titrated based on depth of anesthesia.
As with other anesthetic and sedative-hypnotic agents, propofol injectable emulsion in healthy patients causes a decrease in blood pressure that is secondary to decreases in preload (ventricular filling volume at the end of the diastole) and afterload (arterial resistance at the beginning of the systole). The magnitude of these changes is proportional to the blood and effect site concentrations achieved. These concentrations depend upon the dose and speed of the induction and maintenance infusion rates.
In addition, lower heart rates are observed during maintenance with propofol injectable emulsion, possibly due to reduction of the sympathetic activity and/or resetting of the baroreceptor reflexes. Therefore, anticholinergic agents should be administered when increases in vagal tone are anticipated.
As with other anesthetic agents, propofol injectable emulsion reduces myocardial oxygen consumption.
Further studies are needed to confirm and delineate the extent of these effects on the myocardium and the coronary vascular system.
Morphine premedication (0.15 mg/kg) with nitrous oxide 67% in oxygen has been shown to decrease the necessary propofol injectable emulsion maintenance infusion rates and therapeutic blood concentrations when compared to non-narcotic (lorazepam) premedication. The rate of propofol injectable emulsion administration should be determined based on the patient's premedication and adjusted according to clinical responses.
Propofol injectable emulsion has been used with a variety of agents commonly used in anesthesia such as atropine, scopolamine, glycopyrrolate, diazepam, depolarizing and nondepolarizing muscle relaxants, and opioid analgesics, as well as with inhalational and regional anesthetic agents.
In the elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients, rapid bolus doses should not be used, as this will increase the likelihood of undesirable cardiorespiratory depression.
Adult Patients
In adults, anesthesia can be maintained by administering propofol injectable emulsion by infusion or intermittent intravenous bolus injection. The patient's clinical response will determine the infusion rate or the amount and frequency of incremental injections.
Continuous Infusion
Propofol injectable emulsion 100 mcg/kg/min to 200 mcg/kg/min administered in a variable rate infusion with 60% to 70% nitrous oxide and oxygen provides anesthesia for patients undergoing general surgery. Maintenance by infusion of propofol injectable emulsion should immediately follow the induction dose in order to provide satisfactory or continuous anesthesia during the induction phase. During this initial period following the induction dose, higher rates of infusion are generally required (150 mcg/kg/min to 200 mcg/kg/min) for the first 10 minutes to 15 minutes. Infusion rates should subsequently be decreased 30% to 50% during the first half-hour of maintenance. Generally, rates of 50 mcg/kg/min to 100 mcg/kg/min in adults should be achieved during maintenance in order to optimize recovery times.
Other drugs that cause CNS depression (hypnotics/sedatives, inhalational anesthetics, and opioids) can increase the CNS depression induced by propofol.
Intermittent Bolus
Increments of propofol injectable emulsion 25 mg (2.5 mL) to 50 mg (5 mL) may be administered in adult patients undergoing general surgery. The incremental boluses should be administered when changes in vital signs indicate a response to surgical stimulation or light anesthesia.
Cardiac Anesthesia
The maintenance dose of propofol in adult cardiac patients should be administered as 25 to 100 mcg/kg/min, and should be adjusted according to the patient’s sedation level and clinical response.
Pediatric Patients
In children greater than or equal to 2 months of age, anesthesia can be maintained by administering propofol injectable emulsion by infusion or intermittent intravenous bolus injection. An initial bolus of between 1-4 mg/kg, followed by subsequent administration of smaller aliquots based on patients’ response (0.5 - 2 mg/kg). The patient's clinical response will determine the infusion rate or the amount and frequency of incremental injections.
Continuous Infusion
Propofol injectable emulsion administered as a variable rate infusion provides satisfactory anesthesia for most children 2 months of age or older, ASA-PS I or II, undergoing general anesthesia.
In general, for the pediatric population, maintenance by infusion of propofol injectable emulsion at a rate of 200 mcg/kg/min to 300 mcg/kg/min should immediately follow the induction dose. Following the first half-hour of maintenance, infusion rates of 125 mcg/kg/min to 150 mcg/kg/min are typically needed. Propofol injectable emulsion should be titrated to achieve the desired clinical effect. Younger pediatric patients may require higher maintenance infusion rates than older pediatric patients [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
Intermittent Bolus
An initial bolus of 1-4 mg/kg should be administered, with additional 0.5 to 2 mg/kg doses as needed. The incremental boluses should be administered when changes in vital signs indicate a response to surgical stimulation or light anesthesia.
When propofol injectable emulsion is administered for MAC sedation, rates of administration should be individualized and titrated to clinical response. In most patients, the rates of propofol injectable emulsion administration will be in the range of 25 mcg/kg/min to 75 mcg/kg/min.
During initiation of MAC sedation, slow infusion or slow injection techniques are preferable over rapid bolus administration. During maintenance of MAC sedation, a variable rate infusion is preferable over intermittent bolus dose administration. In the elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients, rapid (single or repeated) bolus dose administration should not be used for MAC sedation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]. A rapid bolus injection may result in undesirable cardiorespiratory depression.
Initiation of MAC Sedation in Adult Patients
For initiation of MAC sedation, either an infusion or a slow injection method may be utilized while closely monitoring cardiorespiratory function. With the infusion method, sedation may be initiated by infusing propofol injectable emulsion at 100 mcg/kg/min to 150 mcg/kg/min (6 mg/kg/hour to 9 mg/kg/hour) for a period of 3 minutes to 5 minutes and titrating to the desired clinical effect while closely monitoring respiratory function. With the slow injection method for initiation, patients will require approximately 0.5 mg/kg administered over 3 minutes to 5 minutes and titrated to clinical responses. When propofol injectable emulsion is administered slowly over 3 minutes to 5 minutes, most patients will be adequately sedated, and the peak drug effect can be achieved while minimizing undesirable cardiorespiratory effects occurring at high plasma levels.
In the elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients, rapid (single or repeated) bolus dose administration should not be used for MAC sedation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]. The rate of administration should be over 3 minutes to 5 minutes and the dosage of propofol injectable emulsion should be reduced to approximately 80% of the usual adult dosage in these patients according to their condition, responses, and changes in vital signs.
Maintenance of MAC Sedation in Adult Patients
For maintenance of sedation, a variable rate infusion method is preferable over an intermittent bolus dose method. With the variable rate infusion method, patients will generally require maintenance rates of 25 mcg/kg/min to 75 mcg/kg/min (1.5 mg/kg/hour to 4.5 mg/kg/hour) during the first 10 minutes to 15 minutes of sedation maintenance. Infusion rates should subsequently be decreased over time to 25 mcg/kg/min to 50 mcg/kg/min and adjusted to clinical responses. In titrating to clinical effect, allow approximately 2 minutes for onset of peak drug effect.
Infusion rates should always be titrated downward in the absence of clinical signs of light sedation until mild responses to stimulation are obtained in order to avoid sedative administration of propofol injectable emulsion at rates higher than are clinically necessary.
If the intermittent bolus dose method is used, increments of propofol injectable emulsion 10 mg (1 mL) or 20 mg (2 mL) can be administered and titrated to desired clinical effect. With the intermittent bolus method of sedation maintenance, there is increased potential for respiratory depression, transient increases in sedation depth, and prolongation of recovery.
In the elderly, debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV patients, rapid (single or repeated) bolus dose administration should not be used for MAC sedation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]. The rate of administration and the dosage of propofol injectable emulsion should be reduced to approximately 80% of the usual adult dosage in these patients according to their condition, responses, and changes in vital signs.
Propofol injectable emulsion can be administered as the sole agent for maintenance of MAC sedation during surgical/diagnostic procedures. When propofol injectable emulsion sedation is supplemented with opioid and/or benzodiazepine medications, these agents increase the sedative and respiratory effects of propofol injectable emulsion and may also result in a slower recovery profile [see Drug Interactions (7)].
Changes in vital signs indicating a stress response to surgical stimulation or the emergence from anesthesia may be controlled by the administration of 25 mg (2.5 mL) to 50 mg (5 mL) incremental boluses and/or by increasing the infusion rate of propofol injectable emulsion.
For minor surgical procedures (e.g., body surface) nitrous oxide (60% to 70%) can be combined with a variable rate propofol injectable emulsion infusion to provide satisfactory anesthesia. With more stimulating surgical procedures (e.g., intra-abdominal), or if supplementation with nitrous oxide is not provided, administration rate(s) of propofol injectable emulsion and/or opioids should be increased in order to provide adequate anesthesia.
Infusion rates should always be titrated downward in the absence of clinical signs of light anesthesia in order to avoid administration of propofol injectable emulsion at rates higher than are clinically necessary. Generally, rates of 50 mcg/kg/min to 100 mcg/kg/min in adults should be achieved during maintenance in order to optimize recovery times.
Other drugs that cause CNS depression (hypnotics/sedatives, inhalational anesthetics, and opioids) can increase CNS depression induced by propofol. Morphine premedication (0.15 mg/kg) with nitrous oxide 67% in oxygen has been shown to decrease the necessary propofol injection maintenance infusion rate and therapeutic blood concentrations when compared to non-narcotic (lorazepam) premedication.
Propofol blood concentrations at steady state are generally proportional to infusion rates, especially in individual patients. Undesirable effects such as cardiorespiratory depression are likely to occur at higher blood concentrations which result from bolus dosing or rapid increases in the infusion rate. An adequate interval (3 minutes to 5 minutes) must be allowed between dose adjustments to allow for and assess the clinical effects.
In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), propofol injectable emulsion can be administered to intubated, mechanically ventilated adult patients to provide continuous sedation and control of stress responses only by persons skilled in the medical management of critically ill patients and trained in cardiovascular resuscitation and airway management.
Propofol injectable emulsion should be individualized according to the patient's condition and response, blood lipid profile, and vital signs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8, 5.9, and 5.10)]. For intubated, mechanically ventilated adult patients, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) sedation should be initiated slowly with a continuous infusion in order to titrate to desired clinical effect and minimize hypotension. When indicated, initiation of sedation should begin at 5 mcg/kg/min (0.3 mg/kg/hour). The infusion rate should be increased by increments of 5 mcg/kg/min to 10 mcg/kg/min (0.3 mg/kg/hour to 0.6 mg/kg/hour) until the desired level of sedation is achieved. A minimum period of 5 minutes between adjustments should be allowed for onset of peak drug effect.
Most adult ICU patients recovering from the effects of general anesthesia or deep sedation will require maintenance rates of 5 mcg/kg/min to 50 mcg/kg/min (0.3 mg/kg/hour to 3 mg/kg/hour) titrated to desired level of clinical response. With medical ICU patients or patients who have recovered from the effects of general anesthesia or deep sedation, the rate of administration of 50 mcg/kg/min or higher may be required to achieve adequate sedation. These higher rates of administration may increase the likelihood of patients developing hypotension. Administration should not exceed 4 mg/kg/hour unless the benefits outweigh the risks [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Dosage and rate of administration should be individualized and titrated to the desired effect, according to clinically relevant factors including the patient’s underlying medical problems, preinduction and concomitant medications, age, ASA-PS classification, and level of debilitation of the patient. The elderly, debilitated, and ASA-PS III or IV patients may have exaggerated hemodynamic and respiratory responses to rapid bolus doses [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].
Dosages of propofol injectable emulsion should be reduced in patients who have received large dosages of opioids. The propofol injectable emulsion dosage requirement may also be reduced by adequate management of pain with analgesic agents. As with other sedative medications, there is interpatient variability in dosage requirements, and these requirements may change with time [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)].
Evaluation of level of sedation and assessment of CNS function should be carried out daily throughout maintenance to determine the minimum dose of propofol injectable emulsion required for sedation [see Clinical Studies (14.4)]. Bolus administration of 10 mg or 20 mg should only be used to rapidly increase depth of sedation in patients where hypotension is not likely to occur. Patients with compromised myocardial function, intravascular volume depletion, or abnormally low vascular tone (e.g., sepsis) may be more susceptible to hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Abrupt discontinuation of propofol injectable emulsion prior to weaning or for daily evaluation of sedation levels should be avoided [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Dosages and rates of administration in the following table should be individualized and titrated to clinical response. Safety and dosing requirements for induction of anesthesia in pediatric patients have only been established for children 3 years of age or older. Safety and dosing requirements for the maintenance of anesthesia have only been established for children 2 months of age and older.
INDICATION | DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION |
Induction of General Anesthesia: | Healthy Adults Less Than 65 Years of Age: 2 mg/kg to 2.5 mg/kg until induction onset, as determined by clinical response of the patient. Elderly, Debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV Patients: 1 mg/kg to 1.5 mg/kg until induction onset, as determined by clinical response to the onset of anesthesia. Cardiac Anesthesia: 0.5 mg/kg to 1.5 mg/kg until induction onset, as determined by clinical response of the patient. Neurosurgical Patients: 1 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg until induction onset, as determined by clinical response of the patient. Pediatric Patients – healthy, from 3 years to 16 years of age: 2.5 mg/kg to 3.5 mg/kg administered until induction onset, as determined by clinical response of the patient [see Pediatric Use (8.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. |
Maintenance of General Anesthesia: | Infusion Healthy Adults Less Than 65 Years of Age: Infusion of 100 mcg/kg/min to 200 mcg/kg/min (6 mg/kg/hour to 12 mg/kg/hour). Elderly, Debilitated, ASA-PS III or IV Patients: Infusion of 50 mcg/kg/min to 100 mcg/kg/min (3 mg/kg/hour to 6 mg/kg/hour). Cardiac Anesthesia: Infusion of 25 mcg/kg/min to 100 mcg/kg/min Neurosurgical Patients: Infusion of 100 mcg/kg/min to 200 mcg/kg/min (6 mg/kg/hour to 12 mg/kg/hour). Pediatric Patients - healthy, from 2 months of age to 16 years of age: Infusion of 125 mcg/kg/min to 300 mcg/kg/min (7.5 mg/kg/hour to 18 mg/kg/hour). Following the first half hour of maintenance, if clinical signs of light anesthesia are not present, the infusion rate should be decreased [see Pediatric Use (8.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. |
Intermittent Bolus Healthy Adults Less Than 65 Years of Age: Increments of 20 mg to 50 mg as needed. | |
Initiation of MAC Sedation: | Healthy Adults Less Than 65 Years of Age: Slow infusion or slow injection techniques are recommended to avoid apnea or hypotension. Most patients require an infusion of 100 mcg/kg/min to 150 mcg/kg/min (6 mg/kg/hour to 9 mg/kg/hour) for 3 minutes to 5 minutes or a slow injection of 0.5 mg/kg over 3 minutes to 5 minutes followed immediately by a maintenance infusion. Elderly, Debilitated, Neurosurgical, or ASA-PS III or IV Patients: Most patients require dosages similar to healthy adults. Rapid boluses are to be avoided [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]. |
Maintenance of MAC Sedation: | Healthy Adults Less Than 65 Years of Age: A variable rate infusion technique is preferable over an intermittent bolus technique. Most patients require an infusion of 25 mcg/kg/min to 75 mcg/kg/min (1.5 mg/kg/hour to 4.5 mg/kg/hour) or incremental bolus doses of 10 mg or 20 mg. In Elderly, Debilitated, Neurosurgical, or ASA-PS III or IV Patients: Most patients require 80% of the usual adult dose. A rapid (single or repeated) bolus dose should not be used [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]. |
Initiation and Maintenance of ICU Sedation in Intubated, Mechanically Ventilated Adult Patients: | Adult Patients – Because of the residual effects of previous anesthetic or sedative agents, in most patients the initial infusion should be 5 mcg/kg/min (0.3 mg/kg/hour) for at least 5 minutes. Subsequent increments of 5 mcg/kg/min to 10 mcg/kg/min (0.3 mg/kg/hour to 0.6 mg/kg/hour) over 5 minutes to 10 minutes may be used until desired clinical effect is achieved. Maintenance rates of 5 mcg/kg/min to 50 mcg/kg/min (0.3 mg/kg/hour to 3 mg/kg/hour) or higher may be required. Administration should not exceed 4 mg/kg/hour unless the benefits outweigh the risks [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]. Evaluation of clinical effect and assessment of CNS function should be carried out daily throughout maintenance to determine the minimum dose of propofol injectable emulsion required for sedation. The tubing and any unused propofol injectable emulsion drug product should be discarded after 12 hours because propofol injectable emulsion contains no preservatives and is capable of supporting growth of microorganisms [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. |
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