Re: propofol (was: Etomidate)

[Ted Reesor <reesor_t@yahoo.co.uk>]

Propofol is a great drug, BUT because of its short
acting nature, post intubation use would require a
regular IV drip.  One of the best uses is if the
patient has a suspected neuological defect.  Propofol
is used quite frequently in neuro ICU's for sedation. 
10-15 minutes prior to being assessed by the
neurologist, the IV is stopped and a general
assessment can then be performed.  Other types of
sedation may confound the assessment (is the deficit a
pathology or due to the sedation?).  Places that don't
use propofol for this reason often fail to properly
sedate the patient before they can be assessed.  The
discomfort from the ETT then increases agitation and
could potentiate a worsening of the condition.



=====
Ted Reesor, RRT/RRCP
Burlington, Ontario

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