Propofol (DIPRIVAN propofol 500mg/50mL injection syringe)
Propofol risk profile, scheduling, and guidance for claims professionals and care workers . Also known as DIPRIVAN propofol 500mg/50mL injection syringe, DIPRIVAN propofol 1g/100mL injection vial, DIPRIVAN propofol 500mg/50mL injection vial.
Propofol (brand names: DIPRIVAN propofol 500mg/50mL injection syringe, DIPRIVAN propofol 1g/100mL injection vial, DIPRIVAN propofol 500mg/50mL injection vial) is classified as Moderate risk (7 risk points) by AllMeds. It is a S4 medication under the TGA in Australia. FDA approved in the United States. General anaesthetic with profound CNS depression requiring complete work restriction during use.
Key Takeaways
- TGA Schedule: S4 in Australia
- Risk level: Moderate (7 points)
- CNS depressant: May cause sedation, impair driving, and affect work capacity
- Respiratory depression risk: Requires monitoring, especially with other CNS depressants
- Recommended maximum duration: 1 days
Scheduling and Classification
| Jurisdiction | Classification | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (TGA) | S4 | Not PBS listed |
| United States (FDA) | Rx only | FDA approved |
Risk Profile
General anaesthetic with profound CNS depression requiring complete work restriction during use.
Regulatory and Compliance Guidance
When Propofol appears on a claimant's medication list, claims professionals should assess whether the prescribing is appropriate for the compensable injury, whether the duration is within guidelines, and whether there are interactions with other medications on the claim.
Work capacity impact: As a CNS depressant, Propofol may impair driving, operating machinery, and cognitive function. Work capacity certificates should reflect any medication-related restrictions.
Australia TGA / PBS / State Schemes
Classified as S4 under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
SIRA best practice guidelines recommend a maximum opioid duration of 1 days for acute pain. Prescribing beyond this requires documented clinical justification and may trigger a Reasonable and Necessary determination.
WorkSafe Victoria Drugs of Dependence Guidelines require monitoring for all S8 opioids. WorkCover QLD Pain Intervention Guidelines recommend multimodal pain management with opioids as a last resort.
United Kingdom NICE / MHRA / FPM
NICE NG193 (Chronic Pain) recommends against initiating opioids for chronic primary pain. The Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM) Opioids Aware resource recommends structured opioid prescribing with regular review, dose limits, and documented tapering plans.
For personal injury claims in the UK, opioid prescribing duration and dose should be reviewed against NICE and FPM guidelines. Costs may be recoverable as a disbursement in high-value PI claims.
UK drug driving laws (Section 5A Road Traffic Act 2006) set specific limits for prescription drugs that cause impairment. Employers and occupational health advisors should assess fitness to work.
United States FDA / CDC / State WC
FDA approved for use in the United States.
The CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids (2022) recommends non-opioid therapies as first-line treatment for pain. When opioids are prescribed, the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration needed.
For workers compensation claims, many states require prior authorization for opioids beyond initial acute prescribing. State drug formularies (e.g. California MTUS, Texas, New York) may restrict or require step therapy before opioid approval.
New Zealand ACC / BPAC NZ / Medsafe
BPAC NZ recommends reassessing opioid therapy at regular intervals and limiting duration. The NZ Opioid Prescribing B-QuiCK Guide provides structured prescribing and tapering protocols.
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) covers treatment-related medications for accepted claims. Opioid prescribing beyond guidelines may require ACC clinical review and approval.
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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes for claims professionals and care workers. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for clinical decisions. Drug information is sourced from TGA, FDA, MHRA, PBS, NICE, and CDC databases and may not reflect the latest updates. AllMeds does not replace clinical judgement.