An Overview of the Sedative Diprivan

As most people have heard, Michael Jackson was said to have had numerous prescription drugs in his system. There was one drug that may have gotten everyone's attention and made them wonder exactly what this drug is. It is called diprivan.

What is diprivan or propofol in generic form?

Diprivan is a medication that is given to patients who are about to have surgical or tests requiring an anesthesia to be administered. Diprivan is given prior to the main anesthesia in order to start and maintain the anesthesia throughout the surgery or test. This drug is basically a general anesthesia, but it is not known exactly how this drug works.

What are some of the precautions of this medication?

First of all a person does not want to take this medication if they are allergic to eggs or egg products and soybeans or other soy products.

What else should a person be aware of before taking this medication?

You should never take this medication while pregnant, breast feeding, or even thinking of becoming or trying to become pregnant. Never use this medication before letting your doctor know exactly what other prescription and non-prescription medications you are already taking including any dietary supplement and vitamins. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are allergic to any kinds of foods, other medications, or any other substances. Always make certain that your doctor checks for any type of inflammation of your pancreas, high levels of lipids in your blood, and make certain you are not epileptic.

What are other medications that can interact with diprivan?

Tell your doctor if you are taking any kind of other medication whether prescription or not. However, medications such as benzodiazepines (alprazolam), narcotic pain relievers (morphine), and other types of sedatives can cause an increase in the risk of side effects with diprivan.

What are some of the most important things to remember about using diprivan?

This medication will usually decrease mental alertness, so driving and operating machinery should be avoided during use. One precaution people need to be aware of is the since your thoughts and mental state are slowed, signing legal documents should also be avoided until you can concentrate and think clearly.

This medication should never ever be used on newborns or infants since it can contain benzyl alcohol. It can have numerous side effects on newborns and infants such as fatal nervous system problems.

Use of diprivan should be done with much caution when using on the elderly. This is because the elderly can have more sensitivity to the side effects of the medication.

Diprivan should never be used in children under three years of age to begin anesthesia and should never be used in infants under two months of age to maintain the anesthesia.

What are some of the side effects of diprivan?

Side effects can include, but not limited to drowsiness, dizziness, no coordination, and change in behavior and moods.

Some of the severe allergic reactions that should always be watched for are itching; breathing difficulty; swelling in the lips, mouth, tongue, and face; tightness in the chest area; and feeling faint are just a few. However, any other signs that an allergic reaction could be happening requires immediate medical attention.

In conclusion, diprivan is a very serious and even dangerous medication if taken incorrectly or without the supervision of a physician. Many side effects can come from diprivan, so always make certain your doctor knows everything there is to know about the other medications you take and any allergies you may have. Make certain that if a pediatrician desires to give this medication to a child, it may be in your best interest to get a second and even third opinion since diprivan can have very harmful side effects on infants and newborns and children under three years of age. The same goes for elderly patients.

Source:

www.drugs.com/diprivan.html