- Induction of anaesthesia
- Maintenance of anaesthesia
Anaesthetic agents should only be used by specialists trained in their use.
- Rapid onset of upper airway obstruction due to loss of muscle tone
- Respiratory depression and apnoea
- Bradycardia (propofol)
- Hypotension
- Propofol infusion syndrome (<16 years)
- Anaesthetic hangover - long period of drowsiness post anaesthetic
- Nausea, vomiting, headache
Rare more serious side effects can occur.
Many interactions can occur particularly with muscle relaxants, anti-depressants/anti-psychotics and antihypertensive agents or any other CNS / CVS depressant.
The drugs are injected intravenously and cause rapid anaesthesia when the brain is reached. The drug travels to well perfused tissues of the body first (e.g. heart, liver, kidney) but accumulates in body fat stores. This occurs when administration is over an extended period of time resulting in a prolonged release from fat stores when anaesthesia is stopped.
