Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Propofol.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Propofol will cause reduced alertness and cause a person to be drowsy even after they have awakened. If you have received propofol as part of an outpatient procedure, you should not drive or operate machinery until the effects of propofol have completely passed.
Heart disease: Propofol can caused decreased heart rate or blood pressure. If you have heart disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Propofol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Impaired fat (lipid) metabolism: If you have impaired lipid metabolism (e.g., high lipid levels associated with Diabetes, pancreatitis), discuss with your doctor how Propofol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Propofol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Impaired kidney and liver function: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication if you have impaired kidney and liver function have not been established.
Seizures: If you have seizures or a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Propofol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: There is evidence that a baby who is exposed to propofol before birth may experience impaired brain development. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are or may be pregnant and require Propofol, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Propofol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking propofol, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children less than 3 years of age. There is evidence that the use of propofol to treat young children may cause decreased or impaired brain development. Propofol may be used as part of anesthesia for children 3 years of age and older. It should not be used for children under the age of 18 as sedation in intensive care or conscious sedation.
Seniors: Seniors may be much more likely to experience side effects of Propofol and may require lower doses.