Pharamacokinetics of Propofol in Young Children After a Single Dose

Abstract

The pharmacokinetics of propofol were studied following a single bolus injection (2.5 mg kg-1) in 10 healthy children (4-7 yr). Propofol was distributed rapidly and extensively (Vss 10.9 (1.2) litre kg-1) and cleared rapidly from the body (Cl 30.6 (2.9) ml min-1 kg-1). With the exception of a larger central compartment volume (V alpha 722 (113) ml kg-1), these data are similar to those reported for young adults who received an identical dose and who underwent sampling over the same period. The larger value of V alpha is consistent with the higher induction dose requirement reported for children.

Intravenous Infusions for Sedation: Rationale, State of the Art, and Future Trends

“…This was consistent with other work showing that the pharmacokinetics of propofol differ between children and adults [33,34]. …”

Seizure Protection by Intrapulmonary Delivery of Propofol Hemisuccinate

“…The pharmacokinetics of propofol are generally described by two-or three-com- partment models in which blood levels after a single bolus fall according to two or three exponentials. The half-time of the first exponential component, representing extensive redistribution from a large central compartment into a volume much greater than total body volume, is 3.5 min in rats (Cockshott et al, 1992) and in the range of 1.6 to 4.2 min in humans (Saint-Maurice et al, 1989). This initial redistribution probably accounts for the rapid recovery seen in the present study.…”

“…This initial redistribution probably accounts for the rapid recovery seen in the present study. A second slow distribution phase may follow the first (with half-time of 33 min in rats and 34 -69 min in humans), followed by metabolism and clearance proceeding with a half-time of 6.4 h in rats and 8 to 14 h in humans (Cockshott, 1985;Saint-Maurice et al, 1989). At the minimum intratracheal dose effective in raising seizure threshold (10 mg/kg), there was no apparent behavioral effect, and an objective measure of motor impairment (horizontal-screen test) failed to demonstrate acute neurological toxicity.…”

A comparison of intubating conditions in children following induction of anaesthesia with propofol and suxamethonium or propofol and remifentanil

“…A more prolonged induction is suitable in the adult population where an infusion of remifentanil may be administered prior to the anaesthetic agent, reducing the significant risks of cardiovascular depression. Timing of intubation in our study was 60 s from the administration of remifentanil since the half-time for equilibration between plasma and the effect compartment (t 1 ⁄ 2 keo) for remifentanil is 1.3 min [4][5][6][7][8][10][11][12].…”