MICHAEL JACKSON STORY – USE OF PROPOFOL
The death of Michael Jackson has generated a number of questions about the drug,
propofol. The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists provides some
answers to commonly asked questions.
NB. Chiefs of staff/producers – Associate Professor Kate Leslie, vice-
president of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
(ANZCA) is available for interview – 0418 374 071.
Propofol – frequently asked questions
What is propofol?
Propofol is a general anaesthetic.
How is propofol used?
Propofol is used to induce general anaesthesia in nearly every patient having surgery in the
developed world.
Propofol is also used in small doses for sedation or “twilight sleep” in patients having
procedures like colonoscopy. However, you still need a trained doctor to take care of you in
this situation, because propofol has side effects.
Is it safe?
Propofol is very safe when it is used by an anaesthetist or another doctor who is trained in its
use AND in an appropriate environment like a hospital. Propofol is a prescription only
medicine.
How is it given?
Propofol can only be given as an intravenous injection.
How does propofol work?
Propofol produces unconsciousness in about 60 seconds, but the effect only lasts for 5 or 10
minutes. If the procedure lasts longer than that, then anaesthetists need to top it up or give a
gas to maintain anaesthesia.
Are there any risks?
The main problem with propofol and other general anaesthetics is that they impair the
patient’s ability to keep their airway open. If an anaesthetist is present, then there’s no
problem. But, if the patient alone, their airway will become obstructed, they will be unable to
move air and they will become asphyxiated.
Propofol also causes low blood pressure and slows breathing, especially if you give too much.
Once again, this is easy for your anaesthetist to deal with and rarely leads to any problems.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are more likely to occur if the patient has other painkilling or sedative drugs in
their system. Once again, this is easy for your anaesthetist to deal with.
How safe is anaesthesia in Australia and New Zealand?
Anaesthesia in Australia and New Zealand is as safe as it gets. Anaesthesia related mortality
is less than 1 in 250,000 in ANZCA’s latest Safety of Anaesthesia report.
25 August 2009
Media enquiries : Nigel Henham, Director Communications ANZCA 0407 873 149/03
85175303.
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