Propofol is a 10 mg/mL lipid emulsion in single-patient vials from 10 to 100 mL. It isn't antimicrobially preserved. EDTA only slows microbial growth, which is why the 12-hour discard rule exists. Here's how to pick vial sizes and store it.
· 3 min read
Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Fuchs, PharmD
Reviewed on
NDC: 25021-0608-20
In stockNDC: 23155-0345-44
In stockNDC: 25021-0608-50
In stockPropofol is 10 mg/mL in a white lipid emulsion. It comes in single-patient vials of 10, 20, 50, and 100 mL. It is not an antimicrobially preserved product, and it can support microbial growth. That's why the label says to discard it at the end of the procedure or 12 hours after opening, whichever comes first (DIPRIVAN label).
Every propofol buying decision comes back to that 12-hour rule. Here's how.
The DIPRIVAN label lists 10 mL, 20 mL, 50 mL, and 100 mL single-patient infusion vials, all 1% (10 mg/mL) (DIPRIVAN label). Generic manufacturers sell the same concentration in their own mix of sizes. Meitheal's labeling, for example, lists 20, 50, and 100 mL vials in cartons of 10 (Meitheal label).
Because the vial is single-patient and time-limited (DIPRIVAN label):
So the bigger vial only saves money if one patient's case actually uses it. For short cases, a 100 mL vial is mostly waste, no matter how good its price per mL looks. Match vial size to your typical case, not your unit-price spreadsheet. Our anesthesia supplies purchasing guide makes the same point for the rest of the cart.
DIPRIVAN contains 0.005% disodium edetate (EDTA) "to inhibit the rate of growth of microorganisms, for up to 12 hours, in the event of accidental extrinsic contamination." The label is just as clear that the product "is not an antimicrobially preserved product under USP standards" and "can still support the growth of microorganisms" (DIPRIVAN label). Generic cartons say the same thing. Meitheal's reads: "Contains EDTA, which inhibits microbial growth up to 12 hours, discard within 12 hours of opening" (Meitheal label).
EDTA buys time. It doesn't make propofol a multiple-dose product. CDC's injection-safety rules are blunt about never using single-dose or single-patient medications for more than one patient (CDC). More in single-dose vs. multiple-dose vials.
The emulsion contains soybean oil, glycerol, and egg lecithin along with the propofol (DIPRIVAN label). Ingredient lists can differ between manufacturers, so if your clinicians care about a specific excipient, check the label of the exact NDC you buy before you switch brands.
DIPRIVAN: store between 4°C and 25°C (40°F to 77°F). Do not freeze. Shake well before use (DIPRIVAN label). Generic cartons also say "SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING" (Meitheal label). Check your product's own storage range, and keep it out of anywhere that might freeze.
Premier Pharma supplies licensed surgery centers, office-based anesthesia practices, and pharmacies, and every invoice lists the lot number and expiration date for each item. We carry propofol 10 mg/mL in 20 mL vials, 25 per carton (Sagent), 20 mL vials, 20 per carton (Avet), 50 mL vials, 20 per carton (Sagent), and 100 mL vials, 10 per carton (Avet). If you're also stocking a sedation alternative, see our dexmedetomidine guide. Open a free account. Credential review typically takes 1–2 business days.
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