Propofol-sodium thiopental admixture reduces pain on injection.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Propofol injection associated with a high incidence of pain is well known. Propofol and sodium thiopental mixture has recently been reported to be used for cost saving and able to reduce pain on injection.

METHODS:

This prospective, randomized, double blind trial was designed to compare the efficacy of different percentages of propofol and sodium thiopental mixture in minimizing propofol injection pain. 146 ASA class 1 patients were assigned to seven groups (pure propofol, pure sodium thiopental, and propofol premixed with 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% of sodium thiopental). The intensity of pain was graded and recorded as severe, moderate, mild and no pain according to the response of the patients to the injection.

RESULTS:

The intensity of injection pain was significantly greater for pure propofol than the others while it was not significantly different among the other groups in comparison.

CONCLUSIONS:

Sodium thiopental, when added to propofol, can significantly reduce propofol injection pain. This attenuation effect was noted even with as low as 10 volume % of sodium thiopental.

• Authors: Y C Kau, R S Wu, K S Cheng
• Journal: Acta anaesthesiologica Sinica (Acta Anaesthesiol Sin) Vol. 38 Issue 1 Pg. 9-13 (Mar 2000) ISSN: 0254-1319 [Print] China (Republic : 1949- )
• PMID: 11000658 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anesthetics, Intravenous
• Thiopental
• Propofol

Topics

• Adult
• Anesthetics, Intravenous (administration & dosage)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Hemodynamics (drug effects)
• Humans
• Injections, Intravenous (adverse effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pain (prevention & control)
• Propofol (administration & dosage)
• Prospective Studies
• Thiopental (administration & dosage)