A member asked:

Does propofol cause less side effects in the elderly?

8 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. James Henning answered

Specializes in Anesthesiology

No: The pharmacology of all drugs changes with aging (lowered lean body mass & body water and higher body fat). A drug given rapidly to induce sleep will have a higher blood concentration and peak effect in the elderly: reduced BP & cardiac output (heart pumping activity) & slowed cardiac conduction. Broadly speaking, the elderly are 20% more sensitive to propofol.

Answered 7/6/2018

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Dr. Richard Pollard answered

Specializes in Anesthesiology

Depends on dose: The geriatric population is very sensitive to any medication. Since Propofol is well known for decreasing blood pressure in normal patients, it should be used with caution in this population. The geriatric population does not tolerate significant decreases in blood flow to the brain or other organs. The positive for this medication is that the effects do clear quickly.

Answered 9/2/2019

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Propofol: Propofol causes hypotension. All effects are dose dependent and patient dependent. Your anesthesiologist will adjust the dose based on multiple factors including age.

Answered 5/16/2016

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