A comparison of the induction characteristics of thiopentone and propofol (2, 6‐di‐isopropyl phenol)

Abstract

A study has been undertaken to compare the induction characteristics of the new intravenous anaesthetic agent 2,6 di-isopropyl phenol, newly prepared in a lipid emulsion (propofol) with those of thiopentone. Despite a significantly higher incidence of pain on injection and spontaneous movement, the new agent was felt to perform comparably to thiopentone as an induction agent. Unfortunately, propofol caused decreases in blood pressure which were significantly greater than those seen after thiopentone. This feature may prove to be a considerable hurdle to the general acceptance of propofol.