Indications: induction and maintenance of general anesthesia

Cautions: monitor blood-lipid concentration if risk of fat overload or if sedation longer than 3 days; may cause anaphylaxis and delayed recovery.

Contra-indications: not to be used for sedation of ventilated children and adolescents under 17 years (risk of potentially fatal effects including metabolic acidosis, cardiac failure, rhabdomyolysis, hyperlipidaemia, and hepatomegaly.

Side Effects: may cause convulsions, pain on intravenous injection. flushing; transient apnoea during induction.

Dose: Induction by intravenous injection, 2-2.5 mg/kg. Maintenance, by intravenous infusion, 100- 200mcg/kg/minute.