Assessment and modification of pain on induction with propofol (Diprivan)

Assessment of pain on injection of the emulsified formulation of di-isopropylphenol (propofol, 'Diprivan') was undertaken in 120 unpremedicated patients and comparison made with thiopentone. A high incidence of pain (37.5%) was found using dorsal hand veins, but use of forearm veins showed only a 2.5% incidence of pain. The use of intravenous lignocaine immediately before propofol injection only partially reduced the incidence of pain using dorsal hand veins (17.5%). A degree of cardiorespiratory depression accompanied induction but the incidence of other side effects was low.