Generic name:propofol [ PROE-poe-fol ]
Brand names: Diprivan, Propoven
Drug class:General anesthetics
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 14, 2021.
What is Diprivan?
Diprivan slows the activity of your brain and nervous system.
Diprivan is used to help you relax before and during general anesthesia for surgery or other medical procedures.
Diprivan is also used to sedate a patient who is under critical care and needs a mechanical ventilator (breathing machine).
Warnings
Before you receive Diprivan, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies. Also make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. In some cases, you may not be able to use Diprivan.
Before receiving this medicine
You should not receive Diprivan if you are allergic to propofol.
To make sure Diprivan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).
Anesthesia medicine may affect brain development in a child under 3, or an unborn baby whose mother receives this medicine during late pregnancy. These effects may be more likely when the anesthesia is used for 3 hours or longer, or used for repeated procedures. Effects on brain development could cause learning or behavior problems later in life.
Negative brain effects from anesthesia have been seen in animal studies. However, studies in human children receiving single short uses of anesthesia have not shown a likely effect on behavior or learning. More research is needed.
In some cases, your doctor may decide to postpone a surgery or procedure based on these risks. Treatment may not be delayed in the case of life-threatening conditions, medical emergencies, or surgery needed to correct certain birth defects.
Ask your doctor for information about all medicines that will be used during your surgery or procedure. Also ask how long the procedure wi...
