Is the Antiemetic Effect of the Emulsion Formulation of Propofol Due to the Lipid Emulsion?

Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting With Antiemetics in Patients Undergoing Middle Ear Surgery

“…Propofol possesses direct antiemetic properties, 8 and this effect is not due to the lipid emulsion (Intralipid) in the formulation of propofol. 10 The exact mechanism by which propofol acts as an antiemetic is unknown, but propofol is not considered to have vagolytic properties. 8 Ham-…”

Low‐dose propofol to prevent nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery

“…The mechanisms by which propofol acts as an antiemetic are not known; propofol is not thought to have vagolytic properties [13], and its mechanisms of action are not due to the Intralipid emulsion [14]. Hammas et al [15] reported that propofol reduces the intensity of retching induced by ipecacuanha, which contains a substance known to release serotonin.…”

Prevention of nausea and vomiting during termination of pregnancy

“…Moreover, Uerpairojkit et al [32] compared the efficacy of 3 plasma concentrations of propofol, 4, 5, and 6 μg/mL, in women undergoing uterine dilation and curettage, and recommended the 5-μg level to impede gross movement while preventing PONV. Although the exact mechanisms by which propofol acts as an antiemetic are not known, its antiemetic properties are not a result of the lipid emulsion of its formulation; rather, propofol is thought to be a vagolytic [33,34]. An animal study suggested that its antiemetic property may be associated with reduced levels of serotonin in the area postrema of the brain and the cerebrospinal fluid [35].…”