Preventing Propofol Injection Pain: Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Propofol Versus Fospropofol

Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is one of the most common induction and sedative agents used today. Properties that make this agent popular include rapid onset and quick recovery. However, as its use became more widespread, side effects such as pain on injection have attracted more attention. The incidence of pain on propofol injection is as high as 70 - 90%. Numerous studies report that more than 50% of patients recall the unpleasant burning sensation during injection.

Many techniques to minimize pain on injection associated with propofol have been described; pre-administration of different medications including lidocaine, ketamine, thiopental, metoclopramide, dexamethasone, ondansetron, and remifentanil have been reported with mixed success. Some have even tried to use lidocaine with a tourniquet. Others have reported the use of distraction techniques including counting numbers aloud.

Recently, a solvent mixture of medium chain triglyceride and long chain triglyceride has been tested for prevention of pain on propofol injection. Lusedra (fospropofol disodium), the water-soluble prodrug of propofol, does not cause pain on injection as it is water based medication. Demonstrating the benefit of fospropofol over propofol in patient satisfaction will improve acceptance by anesthesia providers.

Inclusion criteria

• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I, II or III.
• Age 18 - 65.
• Both male and female.
• No significant laboratory abnormalities.

Exclusion criteria

• Chronic pain patients or patients receiving benzodiazepines or opioids / other analgesics for control of acute pain will be excluded.
• Patients with known allergies to any of the study drugs, or to soybean oil or egg lecithin are excluded.
• Women with a positive pregnancy test reported from pre-surgical testing or their physician's office or who are breast feeding at the time of surgery.
• No emergency patients will be recruited for this study.