Propofol for ED Procedural Sedation — How Good Is It?

Propofol, an ultra–short-acting sedation agent that might cause hypotension and transient apnea, is becoming increasingly popular for procedural sedation. Canadian researchers prospectively evaluated efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction in 113 patients (mean age, 50; 62% male) who received propofol for procedural sedation in the emergency department during a 2-year period. The procedures included orthopedic reductions (44%), cardioversion (37%), and abscess incision and drainage (13%).

Clinicians administered propofol according to a standardized protocol at an initial dose of 0.25 to 0.50 mg/kg by slow intravenous infusion followed by 10 to 20 mg/minute, titrating to patient sedation. Preoxygenation and use of supplemental fentanyl wer…