Package Leaflet: Information for the User
Propofol Baxter 20 mg/ml emulsion for injection and infusion EFG
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.
Contents of the pack
Propofol Baxter is a short-acting anesthetic that is injected into a vein. It belongs to the group of medicines called "general anesthetics" (narcotics). General anesthetics are used to produce unconsciousness (a type of sleep) while operations or other treatments are being carried out. They can also be used to sedate you (to make you feel drowsy, but not completely asleep).
Propofol Baxter is used for:
Do not use Propofol Baxter
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before you are given Propofol Baxter.
Special caution is required when using Propofol Baxter in the following cases:
Propofol Baxter should be administered more slowlythan usual in patients who,
If possible, any cardiac, circulatory, and respiratory failure and hypovolemia should be treated before administration.
A marked drop in blood pressure may require the administration of plasma substitutes, possibly vasoconstrictors, and slower administration of Propofol Baxter. The possibility of a massive drop in blood pressure should be taken into account in patients with reduced coronary or cerebral perfusion or with hypovolemia. The clearance of propofol depends on blood flow. Therefore, concomitant medication that reduces cardiac output will also reduce the clearance of propofol.
Patients with severe heart disease should be given Propofol Baxter with caution and in a controlled manner.
The use of Propofol Baxter in people with epilepsy may cause a seizure. If Propofol Baxter is administered in combination with lidocaine, it should be noted that lidocaine should not be administered to patients with acute porphyria.
Propofol Baxter lacks vagolytic activity. Its use has been associated with reports of bradycardia (when the heart beats slow down) with an occasionally serious outcome (cardiac arrest). Therefore, the administration of an anticholinergic agent intravenously before induction or during the maintenance of anesthesia with Propofol should be considered, especially in situations where vagal tone is likely to predominate, or when used in combination with other agents that may cause bradycardia.
When Propofol Baxter is administered for sedation during surgical and diagnostic procedures, patients should be continuously monitored for early signs of hypotension, airway obstruction, and oxygen desaturation.
As with other sedative agents, when Propofol Baxter is used for sedation during surgical procedures, involuntary movements of the patient may occur. In procedures that require a motionless patient, these movements may jeopardize the success of the operation.
There have been reports of misuse and dependence on propofol, predominantly by healthcare professionals. As with other general anesthetics, the administration of Propofol Baxter without ensuring a clear airway may lead to life-threatening respiratory complications. An adequate period before discharge is required to ensure complete recovery after the use of Propofol.
In rare cases, the use of Propofol Baxter may be associated with the development of a postoperative period of unconsciousness, which may be accompanied by an increase in muscle tone. This depends on whether the patient was previously awake or not. Although recovery is spontaneous, adequate care should be given to the unconscious patient.
The deterioration induced by Propofol Baxter is generally not detectable after more than 12 hours.
When warning patients about the effects of Propofol Baxter, the type of procedure, concomitant medication, age, and condition of the patient should be taken into account, and they should be advised:
Studies in young animals and clinical data suggest that repeated or prolonged use of anesthetics or sedatives in children under 3 years of age and in pregnant women in the last trimester of pregnancy may have adverse effects on the child's brain development. The parent or guardian should discuss the benefits, risks, timing, and duration of surgery and other procedures that require anesthesia or sedatives with the doctor.
Notes onintensivecarebythedoctor
The use of propofol emulsion infusions for sedation in intensive care is associated with a group of metabolic disorders and organ failure that can lead to death.
Additionally, reports have been received of combinations of the following adverse reactions: metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, hyperkalemia, hepatomegaly, renal failure, hyperlipidemia, cardiac arrhythmia, Brugada-type ECG (saddle-shaped or vertical ST segment elevation, elevation of right precordial leads [V1-V3], and negative T wave), and rapidly progressive cardiac failure that generally does not respond to inotropic support treatment.
These combinations of events are also referred to as "propofol infusion syndrome".
These events were mainly observed in patients with severe head injuries and in children with respiratory tract infections who received doses higher than those recommended for adults for sedation in the intensive care unit.
The following appear to be the main risk factors for the development of these events: decreased oxygen supply to tissues; severe neurological damage and/or sepsis; high doses of one or more of the following pharmacological agents: vasoconstrictors, steroids, inotropics, and/or propofol (usually at propofol doses greater than 4 mg/kg/h for more than 48 hours).
The medical team should be alert to these possible adverse effects in patients with the above risk factors and consider immediate discontinuation of propofol administration at the first signs of the symptoms mentioned above. All sedative and therapeutic agents used in the intensive care unit (ICU) should be adjusted to maintain optimal oxygen supply and hemodynamic parameters. Appropriate treatment should be provided to patients with elevated intracranial pressure, in order to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure during these treatment modifications. It is reminded that healthcare professionals should not exceed the recommended dose of 4 mg/kg/h if possible.
Attention should be paid to lipid metabolism disorders or other conditions in which lipid emulsions should be used with caution.
If Propofol Baxter is administered to patients who may be at risk of elevated blood lipid levels, it is recommended to monitor blood lipid levels. The administration of propofol should be adjusted accordingly if the monitoring indicates a disturbance in lipid metabolism. If the patient is concomitantly receiving another intravenous lipid, the amount of lipids perfused as part of Propofol Baxter should be taken into account. 1.0 ml of propofol contains 0.1 g of fat.
Additional information
Caution should be exercised in patients with mitochondrial disease. In these patients, exacerbation of their disease may occur when they are subjected to anesthesia, surgery, and intensive care. In these patients, it is recommended to maintain normothermia, carbohydrate supply, and good hydration. The early presentation of exacerbation of mitochondrial disease and "propofol infusion syndrome" could be similar.
Propofol Baxter does not contain antimicrobial preservatives, and the growth of microorganisms is possible due to its composition.
Sodium edetate binds to metal ions, including zinc-chelated complexes, and therefore reduces the growth of microorganisms. The need for zinc supplements during prolonged administration of Propofol Baxter should be considered, especially in patients who are prone to zinc deficiency, such as those with burns, diarrhea, and/or severe sepsis (blood poisoning).
Propofol Baxter should not be used in children under 3 years of age due to the difficulty in adjusting small volumes of Propofol Baxter in small children.
Propofol should not be used for sedation in intensive care in patients 16 years of age or younger, as its safety and efficacy for sedation in this age group have not been established (see section 2.1).
In the case of elderly patients, lower doses are required for the induction of anesthesia with Propofol Baxter. The patient's overall medical condition and age should be taken into account. The reduced dose should be administered more slowly and adjusted according to response. When Propofol Baxter is used for the maintenance of anesthesia and for sedation, the infusion rate and the selected propofol blood concentration should also be reduced. A further reduction in dose and infusion rate is necessary for patients with ASA grades III and IV. In this population, rapid bolus administration (single or repeated) should not be used, as it may cause cardiopulmonary depression.
Using Propofol Baxter and other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
In particular, tell your doctor, anesthetist, or healthcare professional if you are taking midazolam (used to induce sedation [a very relaxed state of calm, drowsiness, or sleep] and to relieve anxiety and muscle tension).
Propofol Baxter is compatible with other agents used for anesthesia, i.e., with:
With regional anesthesia techniques, smaller doses of Propofol Baxter may be required. No signs of serious interactions have been observed.
Some of the agents mentioned may reduce blood pressure or affect breathing, and therefore cumulative effects may occur when using Propofol Baxter. Profound hypotension has been reported after induction of anesthesia with propofol in patients treated with rifampicin. With additional premedication with opioids, apnea may occur more frequently and for a longer period.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility
Pregnancy
The safety of propofol during pregnancy has not been established. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity. Therefore, Propofol Baxter should only be used during pregnancy if it is absolutely necessary.
However, Propofol Baxter can be used during an induced abortion.
Propofol crosses the placenta and may be associated with respiratory and cardiovascular collapse (depression of vital functions) in neonates. High doses (more than 2.5 mg of propofol/kg body weight for induction or 6 mg of propofol/kg body weight per hour for maintenance of anesthesia) should be avoided. Propofol can be used as an anesthetic during the interruption of pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Studies in breastfeeding mothers have shown that propofol is eliminated in small amounts in breast milk. Therefore, women should stop breastfeeding and discard breast milk for 24 hours after administration of propofol.
Fertility
The safety of propofol during fertility has not been established.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.
If you are pregnant, you should not use propofol unless it is absolutely necessary.
You should not breastfeed while receiving propofol, and you should discard breast milk for 24 hours after receiving propofol.
Driving and using machines
After administration of Propofol Baxter, the patient should be kept under observation for an adequate period and warned that the ability to drive and operate machines may be affected for some time after administration. Generally, no alterations related to Propofol Baxter are observed after more than 12 hours (see section 2.2). When returning home, you should be accompanied by another person.
Propofol Baxter contains sodium and soybean oil (E322)
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per 100 ml; this is, essentially "sodium-free".
Propofol Baxter contains soybean oil. Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to peanut or soy.
Method of administration
For intravenous injection/infusion.
Propofol Baxter should only be administered by specialists in anesthesia or in the treatment of patients in intensive care. Propofol should not be administered by the same person who is performing the surgical procedure or diagnostic technique when used for sedation or anesthesia in the same.
Cardiovascular and respiratory functions should be constantly monitored (e.g., ECG, pulse oximeter), and devices necessary to maintain open airways, for artificial ventilation, and other resuscitation equipment should be available at all times.
The dose should be individualized based on prior medication and patient response.
Generally, additional administration of analgesics is required to prevent pain on injection.
Administration of Propofol Baxter boluses is not recommended
Dosage
The administered dose varies according to age, body weight, and physical condition, and prior medication. Your doctor will administer the correct dose to initiate and maintain anesthesia or to achieve the required level of sedation, closely monitoring your physical response and vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, respiration, etc.).
If you use more Propofol Baxter than you should
Circulatory and respiratory depression may occur. In the case of respiratory arrest, artificial respiration is required, and in the case of a drop in blood pressure, usual measures will be taken, such as lowering the patient's head, possibly plasma substitutes (agents to replenish blood), and, if necessary, vasoconstrictors.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause adverse effects, although not all people suffer from them.
Information on the frequency of adverse reactions is based on the following categories:
Very common: more than 1 in 10 people
Common: 1 to 10 in 100 people
Uncommon: 1 to 10 in 1,000 people
Rare: 1 to 10 in 10,000 people
Very rare: less than 1 in 10,000
Not known: cannot be estimated from the available data
Possible Adverse Effects:
Induction and maintenance of anesthesia or sedation with propofol are generally smooth with minimal evidence of excitement. The most frequently reported adverse effects are hypotension and alteration of the respiratory center's response capacity (respiratory depression). The type, severity, and frequency of these effects observed in patients administered propofol depend on the state of health, type of procedure, and therapeutic measures taken. In particular, the following adverse effects have been observed:
Immune System Disorders
Very rare: severe hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis) that may include angioedema, difficulty breathing due to bronchospasm, skin reddening, and blood pressure drop
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders
Frequency not known: metabolic acidosis, increased blood potassium levels, hyperlipidemia
Psychiatric Disorders
Frequency not known: euphoric mood during the wakefulness phase; drug abuse and dependence
Nervous System Disorders
Common: spontaneous movements and muscle spasms during anesthesia induction, headache during the wakefulness phase
Rare: dizziness, chills, and feeling of cold during recovery, epileptic-like convulsions with convulsions and opisthotonus during induction, maintenance, and recovery (very rarely delayed from hours to a few days)
Very rare: postoperative unconsciousness (see section 2.2)
Frequency not known: involuntary movements
Cardiac Disorders
Common: bradycardia
Very rare: pulmonary edema
Frequency not known: cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac failure
Vascular Disorders
Common: hypotension
Uncommon: thrombosis and phlebitis
Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders
Common: hyperventilation and cough during anesthesia induction, temporary respiratory arrest during anesthesia induction
Uncommon: cough during maintenance
Rare: cough during the recovery phase
Frequency not known: respiratory depression (dose-dependent)
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Common: Hiccup during induction, nausea, and vomiting during the recovery phase
Very rare: pancreatitis
Hepatobiliary Disorders
Frequency not known: hepatomegaly, hepatitis (liver inflammation), acute liver failure (symptoms may include yellowing of the skin and eyes, itching, dark urine, stomach pain, and sensitivity in the liver, indicated by pain below the front part of the rib cage on the right side), sometimes with loss of appetite
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders
Frequency not known: dissolution of striated muscle fibers (rhabdomyolysis)
Renal and Urinary Disorders
Very rare: urine discoloration after prolonged administration of Propofol Baxter
Frequency not known: renal failure
Reproductive System and Breast Disorders
Very rare: sexual disinhibition
Frequency not known: prolonged and often painful erection (priapism)
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions
Very common: local pain after the first injection
Common: flushing during anesthesia induction
Very rare: severe tissue reactions and tissue necrosis after accidental extravascular administration
Frequency not known: local pain, swelling after accidental extravascular administration
Investigations
Frequency not known: changes in the ECG (Brugada syndrome)
Injury, Poisoning, and Procedural Complications
Very rare: postoperative fever
The following adverse effects may occur after simultaneous administration of lidocaine: dizziness, vomiting, somnolence, convulsions, bradycardia, arrhythmias, and shock
Soybean oil can cause allergic reactions in very rare cases
1 Severe bradycardias are rare. Isolated cases of progression to asystole have been reported
2 Occasionally, hypotension may require the use of intravenous fluids and a reduction in the administration rate of Propofol Baxter
3 Rare cases of rhabdomyolysis have been reported when propofol was administered at doses higher than 4 mg of propofol per kg of body weight per hour for sedation in the intensive care unit (ICU)
4 This can be minimized by concomitant administration of lidocaine and using large veins of the forearm or antecubital fossa
5 The combination of these reactions, also reported as "propofol infusion syndrome", can be observed in severely ill patients who often have multiple risk factors for the development of these events (see section 2.2)
6 Brugada syndrome - elevated ST segment and inverted T wave in the ECG
7 Rapidly progressive cardiac failure (sometimes fatal) in adults. Cardiac failure in these cases usually does not respond to inotropic support treatment
8 Drug abuse and dependence, mainly by healthcare professionals
9 Tissue necrosis with altered tissue viability has been reported
Reporting of Adverse Effects
If you experience any type of adverse effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible adverse effect not listed in this prospectus. You can also report them directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Medicines: https://www.notificaram.es. By reporting adverse effects, you can contribute to providing more information on the safety of this medicine
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children
Do not use this medicine after the expiration date stated on the packaging and label after CAD. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated
Storage conditions
Do not store above 25°C
Do not freeze
Once opened, the product must be used immediately
Your doctor, anesthesiologist, or hospital pharmacist are responsible for the correct storage, use, and disposal of the medicine
Composition of Propofol Baxter
Each milliliter of injectable and infusion emulsion contains 20 mg of propofol.
Each 50-milliliter vial contains 500 mg of propofol.
Appearance of the Product and Container Content
White, oil-in-water injectable and infusion emulsion.
This medication is supplied in colorless glass vials (type II) with a gray bromobutyl rubber stopper.
Package sizes:
50-ml vials in packages of 1 vial.
Only some package sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorization Holder:
BAXTER HOLDING B.V.
Kobaltweg 49, 3542CE Utrecht
Netherlands
Manufacturer:
UAB NORAMEDA
Didzioji vandens g. 7-8
91246 Klaipeda, Lithuania
Bieffe Medital S.P.A.,
Via Nuova Provinciale,
IT- 23034 Grosotto
Italy
For further information on this medicinal product, please contact the local representative of the marketing authorization holder:
Baxter S.L.
Pouet de Camilo, 2. 46394 Ribarroja del Turia (Valencia) Spain
This medicinal product is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area under the following names:
Germany: Propofol Baxter 20 mg/ml Emulsion zur Injektion/ Infusion
Spain: Propofol Baxter 20 mg/ml emulsión inyectable y para perfusión EFG
Date of the last revision of this leaflet: September 2024
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es
Medical Information
This information is intended solely for healthcare professionals:
This informative section is a summary of the Medicinal Product Technical Sheet and is limited to instructions for its correct handling and preparation. It is not a sufficient basis for deciding whether the medicinal product can be administered. Consult the Technical Sheet for more information.
Propofol Baxter injection/infusion emulsion
Sodium: This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (=23 mg) per dose, i.e., it is essentially "sodium-free".
Soybean oil: Propofol Baxter contains soybean oil. If you are allergic to peanuts or soy, do not use this medicinal product.
Propofol Baxter should only be administered by specialist medical professionals in anesthesia or intensive care. Propofol Baxter should not be administered by the same person performing the diagnostic or surgical procedure when used for sedation or anesthesia in the same.
Cardiovascular and respiratory functions should be constantly monitored (e.g., ECG, pulse oximeter) and the necessary devices should be available at all times to maintain open airways, for artificial ventilation, and other resuscitation equipment.
The duration of the infusion of Propofol 10 mg/ml undiluted using aperfusion system should not exceed 12 hours. After the first opening and/or dilution, the product should be used immediately.
Opened vials should be discarded after the single administration of Propofol Baxter.
Before use, the surface of the rubber stopper should be cleaned with spray alcohol or an alcohol-soaked swab. The rubber stopper does not contain latex. The vials should be shaken before use. If two layers are observed after shaking, the emulsion should not be used.
Propofol Baxter is administered intravenously, even undiluted in plastic syringes or glass vials.
Propofol Baxter does not contain antimicrobial preservatives and may promote the growth of microorganisms due to its composition. The emulsion should be extracted aseptically using a sterile syringe or administration equipment immediately after breaking the vial seal. Administration should be initiated immediately.
Strict aseptic conditions of Propofol Baxter and the perfusion equipment used should be maintained throughout the perfusion period. Concomitant administration of any other medicinal product or fluids added to the Propofol Baxter perfusion line should be performed near the cannula. Propofol Baxter should not be administered through perfusion equipment containing microbiological filters.
If patients receive other intravenous lipids concomitantly, the amount of lipids perfused as part of Propofol Baxter should be taken into account. 1.0 ml of Propofol Baxter contains 0.1 g of fat.
As is usual with lipid emulsions, the perfusion of Propofol Baxter through aperfusion system should not exceed 12 hours. At the end of the process or after 12 hours, whichever is earlier, both the remaining propofol and the perfusion line should be discarded or replaced if necessary.
Propofol Baxter should not be mixed with other injectable or perfused solutions. However, it can be added to a continuous perfusion solution of 5% glucose, 0.9% sodium chloride, or glucose (4%)/sodium chloride (0.18%) using a Y-connector at the injection site.
A perfusion pump or volumetric pump should be used for perfusion
To reduce pain at the injection site during the induction of anesthesia with Propofol Baxter, lidocaine can be injected immediately before administration.
Muscle relaxants such as atracurium or mivacurium should only be administered after flushing the same perfusion site used for Propofol Baxter.
The contents of a vial and the respective perfusion system are for single usein a singlepatient. Opened vials should be discarded after use.
General Anesthesia in Adults
Induction of Anesthesia
For the induction of general anesthesia, the dose of Propofol Baxter should be adjusted at a rate of 20 to 40 mg of propofol, every 10 seconds, depending on the patient's response until clinical signs show the onset of anesthesia. Most adults under 55 years of age will require a total dose of 1.5 to 2.5 mg of propofol/kg of body weight.
In older patients and in patients with ASA grades III and IV (American Society of Anesthesiologists), especially those with impaired cardiac function, the total dose of Propofol Baxter may need to be reduced to 1 mg of propofol/kg of body weight. Lower administration doses of Propofol Baxter (approximately 2 ml of the 10 mg/ml emulsion (20 mg of propofol) every 10 seconds) should be used.
Maintenance of General Anesthesia
For the maintenance of anesthesia by continuous infusion, the dose and infusion rate should be adjusted for each individual. Generally, the dose is 4 to 12 mg of propofol/kg of body weight per hour to maintain a satisfactory level of anesthesia. A reduced maintenance dose of approximately 4 mg of propofol/kg of body weight/h may be sufficient during less stressful surgical procedures, such as minimally invasive surgery.
In older patients, unstable patients, patients with impaired cardiac function, hypovolemic patients, and patients with ASA grades III and IV, the dose of Propofol Baxter may need to be reduced further depending on the severity of the patient's condition and the anesthetic technique used.
General Anesthesia in Children Over 3 Years
Induction of Anesthesia
For the induction of anesthesia, Propofol Baxter should be administered slowly until clinical signs of the onset of anesthesia are observed. The dose should be adjusted based on age and/or body weight. Most children over 8 years of age will require approximately 2.5 mg of propofol/kg of body weight for the induction of anesthesia. In younger children, the required dose may be higher (2.5 – 4 mg of propofol/kg of body weight). In patients with ASA grades III and IV, lower doses are recommended.
Maintenance of General Anesthesia
The required depth of anesthesia can be maintained by administering Propofol Baxter by infusion. The required administration rate varies considerably between patients, but rates in the range of 9 to 15 mg/kg of propofol per kg of body weight/h generally achieve satisfactory anesthesia. In younger children, the required dose may be higher.
Lower doses are recommended for patients with ASA grades III and IV. Experience with children under 3 years is inadequate
Sedation of Patients Over 16 Years in the Intensive Care Unit
For the sedation of patients with assisted breathing in intensive care, Propofol Baxter should be administered by continuous infusion. The dose should be adjusted according to the depth of sedation required. Normally, satisfactory sedation can be achieved with doses in the range of 0.3 to 4.0 mg of propofol/kg of body weight per hour (see section 2.2). Infusion doses above 4.0 mg of propofol/kg of body weight/h are not recommended (see section 2.2).
Administration of Propofol Baxter using the Target-Controlled Infusion (TCI) system for sedation in the intensive care unit is not recommended.
Sedation for Diagnostic and Surgical Procedures in Adult Patients
During the administration of Propofol Baxter, the patient should be continuously monitored for signs of hypotension, airway obstruction, and oxygen desaturation, and standard emergency equipment should be available for accidents.
Most patients will require between 0.5 and 1 mg of propofol/kg of body weight over 1 to 5 minutes for the onset of sedation. Maintenance of sedation can be achieved by adjusting the infusion administration to the desired depth of sedation. Most patients will require between 1.5 and 4.5 mg of propofol/kg of body weight/h.
If it is necessary to rapidly increase the depth of sedation, this can be supplemented by administering a bolus of 10-20 mg.
Patients with ASA grades III and IV may require lower doses, and it may be necessary to reduce the administration rate. A lower dose may also be necessary in patients over 55 years of age.
Sedation of Children Over 3 Years for Surgical and Diagnostic Procedures
The dose and dosing intervals are adjusted based on the required depth of sedation and clinical response. Most pediatric patients require 1 to 2 mg of propofol/kg of body weight for the onset of sedation. Maintenance of sedation can be achieved by adjusting the Propofol Baxter infusion to the desired depth of sedation. Most patients require 1.5 to 9 mg of propofol/kg of body weight per hour.
Patients with ASA grades III and IV may require lower doses.
Propofol Baxter is contraindicated in children 16 years or younger for the indication of sedation in intensive care.
The duration of administration should not exceed 7 days.
Baxter Holding B.V.