Hypnotic and cardiovascular effects of proprietary and generic propofol formulations do not differ

Purpose: The aim of the study was to compare the potency of two different propofol formulations: proprietary and generic propofol using the bispectral index (BIS) monitoring. Methods: Forty female patients undergoing breast surgery received propofol 3 mg(.)kg(-1) followed by propofol infusion adjusted to maintain a 40% BIS value, supplemented by 50% nitrous oxide. Proprietary or generic propofol was administered in a randomized double-blind manner. Results: The propofol mg/BIS% ratio obtained after the bolus dose, the cumulative infused propofol mg/BIS% ratio at the end of each five-minute interval and the total dose of propofol administered as bolus + infusion were similar between the two groups. The two groups did not differ with regard to systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, end-tidal carbon dioxide and arterial oxygen saturation. Conclusion: The two propofol formulations are equipotent when hypnotic effect is assessed by BIS monitoring.