The effects of body habitus, age, and sex on adequate propofol dosing and infusion for general anesthesia

Propofol (Diprivan) is the most widely used intravenous (IV) anesthetic for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Its rapid onset, fast recovery, and antiemetic properties make propofol a popular anesthetic drug over competing drugs, such as etomidate, ketamine, and halogenated gases. While there is general agreement about the physiological effects of propofol, inconsistent dosing metrics likely complicate its disputed effects on peri- and post-operative hemodynamics and cardiac function in the literature. This review provides the rationale for the recommended dosing metric of propofol and clarifies the bodily effects of dose-appropriate propofol use. This was achieved through a systematic review of propofol’s mechanism of action and observed physiological effects with respect to body habitus, age, and sex.Keywords:propofol, anesthesia, hemodynamics, induction