Propofol: clinical strategies for preventing the pain of injection

TLDR

The study assessed eight propofol administration modes to minimise injection pain. An indirect biochemical mechanism for the pain was proposed. An intravenous bolus in the antecubital fossa caused no pain, while mixing propofol with lignocaine in the dorsum of the hand significantly reduced pain scores and incidence, and slowing injection speed increased discomfort.

Abstract

Eight modes of administration of propofol were assessed in order to minimise the pain of injection. An intravenous bolus injection in the antecubital fossa was the only approach that caused no pain. When administered intravenously in the dorsum of the hand the pain score and the number of patients who experienced pain was reduced significantly by mixing the agent with lignocaine when compared with a bolus injection. Slowing the speed of injection caused the greatest discomfort. An indirect biochemical mechanism for the pain is proposed.