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Pain on injection of propofol: modification by nitroglycerin
D Wilkinson1, M Anderson, I S Gauntlett
1Department of Anaesthesia, Taunton & Somerset NHS Trust, Musgrove Park Hospital, United Kingdom.
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Nitroglycerin ointment applied before propofol injection significantly reduced injection pain in women. Most patients receiving nitroglycerin experienced no pain, unlike the placebo group.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Propofol is a common anesthetic agent.
- Injection pain is a frequent side effect of propofol.
- Minimizing injection pain improves patient comfort during anesthesia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical nitroglycerin in reducing propofol injection pain.
- To compare pain incidence and severity between nitroglycerin and placebo groups.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 60 unpremedicated women (ASA physical status I).
- Nitroglycerin or placebo ointment was applied to the back of the hand before venipuncture and propofol injection.
- Pain was assessed during and after injection.
Main Results:
- 67% of patients in the nitroglycerin group reported no pain versus 33% in the placebo group.
- Only one patient in the nitroglycerin group experienced moderate/severe pain, compared to eleven in the placebo group.
- Pain, when experienced, often occurred late and was felt at sites distant from the injection.
Conclusions:
- Topical nitroglycerin effectively reduces the incidence and severity of pain associated with propofol injection.
- Nitroglycerin is a safe and effective pretreatment for minimizing propofol injection pain.
- This method offers a practical approach to enhance patient experience during propofol administration.
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