Propofol as an induction agent in children: pain on injection and pharmacokinetics

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Abstract
The efficacy of lignocaine (1%) mixed with propofol in reducing pain on injection with propofol was studied in 40 children undergoing elective surgery in a double-blind, randomized comparison with glucose (5%). The pharmacokinetics of propofol in a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg was also studied in eight children participating in the same study. Lignocaine (1 mg) significantly reduced pain on injection compared to the control group (P < 0.001). The induction characteristics of propofol were not affected by the lignocaine, and no undesirable interaction was found between the two drugs. The first-stage elimination half-life (t1/2.beta.) of propofol in children was shorter (mean 9.3 .+-. 3.8 (s.d.) min ) than the values found in adults. This pharmacokinetic alteration may have clinical significance following repeated administration or continuous infusion of propofol.