The effects of body habitus, age, and sex on adequate propofol dosing and infusion for general anesthesia

Abstract

Propofol (Diprivan) is the most widely used intravenous (IV) anesthetic for the induction and
maintenance of general anesthesia. Its rapid onset, fast recovery, and antiemetic properties
make propofol a popular anesthetic drug over competing drugs, such as etomidate, ketamine,
and halogenated gases. While there is general agreement about the physiological effects of
propofol, inconsistent dosing metrics likely complicate its disputed effects on peri- and post-
operative hemodynamics and cardiac function in the literature. This review provides the rationale
for the recommended dosing metric of propofol and clarifies the bodily effects of dose-appropriate
propofol use. This was achieved through a systematic review of propofol’s mechanism of action
and observed physiological effects with respect to body habitus, age, and sex.
Keywords:
propofol, anesthesia, hemodynamics, induction