What is Diprivan: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Apr 11, 2021

Diprivan overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Diprivan, Diprivan Novaplus, Fresenius Propoven, PremierPro Rx Diprivan, Propofol Novaplus

Generic Names:

  • Propofol

Uses:

  • Helps you relax or sleep before and during surgery or other medical procedures. This medicine is an anesthetic and a sedative.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Sedative-Hypnotic

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Diprivan used for?

Propofol is a prescription-only anesthetic that is used to relax a patient before and during a medical procedure. Propofol works by sedating the patient to reduce stress about their surroundings. Patients above the ages of three years old are prescribed Propofol to cause and maintain sleep during general anesthesia.

What form(s) does Diprivan come in

  • Injectable

What are common Diprivan doses?

  • Vial 20ML of 200MG/20ML

Common Diprivan prescriptions

  • Diprivan
    100ml of 1000mg/100ml glass cont

  • Diprivan
    20ml of 200mg/20ml vial

  • Diprivan
    50ml of 500mg/50ml vial

How to take Diprivan

  • You will receive this medicine in a hospital or surgery center. Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

What to do if you miss a dose of Diprivan

Diprivan contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to propofol, eggs, egg products, soybeans, or soy products.

Diprivan warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, or high cholesterol. Tell your doctor if you have a history of head injury, stroke, or seizures (including epilepsy).

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Low blood pressureLung or breathing problemsHeart or blood vessel problems

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.

  • Lightheadedness or fainting (after you awake from surgery).

  • Lower back or side pain.

  • Muscle pain, tightness, or weakness.

  • Pain or fullness in your upper stomach.

  • Seizures.

  • Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.

  • Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

Diprivan interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how propofol works. Tell your doctor if you are using valproate.

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; swelling of the face, tongue, and throat; trouble breathing; or chest pain after you get the injection.

Diprivan side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Confusion, weakness, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips

  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate

  • Muscle pain, tightness, or weakness

  • Slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat, cold sweat, bluish-colored skin

  • Pain or fullness in your upper stomach

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Lower back or side pain

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Seizures

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

  • Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Skin rash or itching.

  • Mild nausea or vomiting

  • Pain, burning, stinging, swelling, blistering, or skin changes where the needle is placed

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