Common side effects include an irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, burning sensation at the site of injection, and the stopping of breathing. Other serious side effects may include seizures, infections with improper use, addiction, and propofol infusion syndrome with long-term use.It appears to be safe for using during pregnancy but has not been well studied in this group.However, it is not recommended during cesarean section.Propofol is not a pain medication, so opioids such as morphine may also be used.Whether or not they are always needed is unclear.Propofol is believed to work at least partly via a receptor for GABA. Propofol was discovered in 1977 and approved for use in the United States in 1989. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.It is available as a generic medication.The wholesale price in the developing world is between 0.61 and 8.50 USD per vial.It has been referred to as milk of amnesia (a play on milk of magnesia) because of the milk-like appearance of the intravenous preparation. Propofol is also used in veterinary medicine for anesthesia.
