Fospropofol disodium injection for the sedation of patients undergoing colonoscopy

Review

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Authors: Benjamin E Levitzky, John J Vargo

Published Date September 2008 Volume 2008:4(4) Pages 733 - 738

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S3091

Benjamin E Levitzky¹, John J Vargo²

¹Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, ²Section of Therapeutic and Hepatobiliary Endoscopy, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Abstract: Sedation plays a central role in making colonoscopy tolerable for patients and feasible for the endoscopist to perform. The array of agents used for endoscopic sedation continues to evolve. Fospropofol (FP), a prodrug of propofol with a slower pharmacokinetic profi le, is currently under evaluation for use during endoscopic procedures. Preliminary data suggests that FP dosed at 6.5 mg/kg is well tolerated by most patients with perineal paresthesias being the most commonly experienced adverse effect. This article will examine the current literature on the use of FP for the sedation of patients undergoing colonoscopy, highlighting the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, risks, and common adverse events associated with the novel sedative/hypnotic.

Keywords: fospropofol, Aquavan, propofol, sedation, colonoscopy