Propofol Safety and Dosing in Pediatric Sedation

Incidence of Respiratory Complications

In a pediatric cohort receiving propofol for procedural sedation, apnea that required bag‑valve‑mask ventilation occurred in 19 % of patients【1】.

MRI sedation: Bolus doses of 2–3.7 mg/kg combined with continuous infusions of 7.1–10.1 mg/kg/h have been administered safely in children【1】.
Painful procedures: A bolus of 3–3.4 mg/kg followed by an infusion of 7.6–12 mg/kg/h was effective for achieving adequate sedation in pediatric patients【1】【2】.
Emergency department sedation: The mean propofol dose reported was 2.9 mg/kg, and 30 % of children required supplemental oxygen during the procedure【3】.

Continuous pulse‑oximetry monitoring and immediate availability of airway support (e.g., bag‑valve‑mask ventilation) are mandated for all pediatric patients sedated with propofol【1】【2】.