The effects of premedication on anaesthesia with propofol ('Diprivan')

The effects of premedication on anaesthesia with propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) in a dose of 2.5 mg/kg were assessed. One hundred and twenty female patients were randomized into one of three groups of 40 who received either no premedication, diazepam 10 mg orally, or pethidine 50-75 mg intramuscularly (i.m.) and atropine 0.6 mg i.m. Propofol 2.5 mg/kg was found to be a reliable induction dose. Premedication did not affect the induction time nor the incidence of side effects which occurred in 19% of patients. Apnoea occurred in 44% of patients but was not related to premedication, nor was arterial hypotension. Pain on injection was rare in the antecubital fossa but was a frequent occurrence (30%) in the dorsum of the hand. Recovery was rapid and characterized by lack of emetic sequelae; only one patient had nausea and there was no vomiting. The site of injection was examined postoperatively and venous sequelae were rare.