Induction dose of propofol in children

Summary In a study of 144 children aged 1–12 years, attempts were made to assess the ED 50 and ED 90 of the intravenous induction agent, propofol. The doses required for loss of eyelash reflex and tolerance of facemask, in 50% of unpremedicated children, were 1.6 mg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg respectively. In children premedicated with oral trimeprazine the corresponding values of ED 50 were 1.1 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg. Doses of 2.8 mg/kg in unpremedicated and 2.0 mg/kg for those who received trimeprazine were required for loss of eyelash reflex in 90% of children. This probably corresponds to an effective induction dose. Pain and movement on induction were common; the incidence was 27% and 21.5% respectively.