Safety and efficacy of intramuscular propofol administration in rats

Therapeutic Review: Propofol and Fospropofol

“…23,24 In veterinary medicine, when given intramuscularly in rats, propofol induced moderate to severe inflammation and necrosis at the injection site. 18 In contrast, in hatchling iguanas administered intracoelomic propofol, no lesions attributable to propofol administration were noted on post mortem evaluation 14 days after injection. 17 Fospropofol has also been associated with adverse effects with extravascular injections, although only mild effects were noted.…”

“…13 Laboratory animals administered propofol exhibited limited or unpredictable efficacy in induction of sedation or anesthesia when administered intramuscularly in rats (Rattus norvegicus) or intraperitoneally in mice (Mus musculus); this was likely due to the hydrophobic nature of the drug leading to poor systemic uptake. 18,19 In one study, attempts to increase intramuscular absorption of propofol with the addition of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) had no effect on the sedative or anesthetic effects of propofol. 18 Safe administration of propofol has been reported when administered into the subcarapacial sinus of chelonians.…”

“…18,19 In one study, attempts to increase intramuscular absorption of propofol with the addition of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) had no effect on the sedative or anesthetic effects of propofol. 18 Safe administration of propofol has been reported when administered into the subcarapacial sinus of chelonians. 20,21 However, due to the proximity of this vessel with the spinal canal, care must be taken to ensure that injections are within the vascular system as inadvertent administration into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is associated with severe bradycardia, apnea, and death.…”

THE EFFICACY OF INTRACOELOMIC FOSPROPOFOL IN RED-EARED SLIDERS (TRACHEMYS SCRIPTA ELEGANS)

“…24 In addition, intramuscular administration did not result in appreciable sedation and evidence of muscle inflammation and necrosis associated with the injection site was evident on histological examination. 24 Altogether, these studies suggest that the intraperitoneal or intramuscular routes of administration may not be clinically useful.…”

“…1,24 Intraperitoneal administration of 100% propofol in rats resulted in little appreciable sedation and was associated with significant tissue inflammation and necrosis; a single large dose of intraperitoneal propofol led to the death of a rat due to respiratory arrest. 24 In addition, intramuscular administration did not result in appreciable sedation and evidence of muscle inflammation and necrosis associated with the injection site was evident on histological examination. 24 Altogether, these studies suggest that the intraperitoneal or intramuscular routes of administration may not be clinically useful.…”