Some Propofol Side Effects in Children, Adults and Dogs

Propofol Side Effects in Children

Well documented research exists into Propofol side effects in children. One of the most common Propofol side effects in children is slow and shallow breathing. Because of this children are given an oxygen mask to assist their breathing while sedated. In rare cases, children may also be given a breathing tube to help with their respiration during a medical procedure or operation.

Propofol is also known to lower blood pressure. Because of this, a child’s blood pressure is also monitored through an operation or procedure. Some children also experience muscle movement but this is a normal reaction and is not just caused by the Propofol.

Parents should only become alarmed by Propofol side effects in children if after its use the following signs are noted:

the child is regularly vomiting, the child is extremely irritated, the child has trouble waking up, or the child shows any one of fever, rash, wheezing or trouble breathing.

Propofol Side Effects in Adults

The anaesthetic Propofol has potentially much the same propofol side effects in adults that it has in children. As with children, it can cause high or low blood pressure in adults. Propofol can also cause agitation, dizziness, some drowsiness and delirium. Euphoria, seizures, chills, some anxiety, depression, twitching, headaches and insomnia are some other side effects Propofol has been linked to.

Propofol Side Effects in Dogs

Even in dogs, Propofol must be administered intravenously because of its fast acting properties. If the dog has an allergy to Propofol or suffers from hypersensitivity, then it will be dangerous to give the dog Propofol and any quantity of it could lead to death. An important element of Propofol side effects in dogs is that is has been known to cure seizures, whilst in other dogs it has been known to cause seizures. For example if the dog is on acepromazine, atropine, cimetidine or narcotics, it is not advisable to give the dog Propofol. For longer procedures, Propofol is mixed with other drugs to ensure the dog is sedated and unconscious for a longer period of time.

As mentioned, Propofol can affect the dog breathing and heart rate. For this reason, the vet will monitor both the dog’s breathing and heart rate whilst sedated. With proper supervision, Propofol side effects in dogs are limited and there is no reason why the dog should not make a full recovery once the procedure is completed. - from several sources

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