Which additive warning is accurate for propofol formulations?

Which additive warning is accurate for propofol formulations?

• A. Benzyl alcohol is safe for use in infants
• B. Metabisulfite can cause bronchospasm in asthmatics
• C. Metabisulfite can worsen hepatic function
• D. Benzyl alcohol reduces pain on injection

Answer: (B)

Additives like metabisulfite in propofol can have significant clinical effects. Metabisulfite acts as an antioxidant/preservative in some formulations, and sulfite-sensitive individuals—especially those with asthma—can experience bronchospasm when exposed to it. That makes the warning about bronchospasm in asthmatics the accurate statement. Benzyl alcohol has been used in some older propofol products, but it is not considered safe for infants due to risk of gasping syndrome, so that claim isn’t correct. It also does not reliably reduce injection pain. Metabisulfite isn’t known to worsen hepatic function in this context, so that option isn’t supported either.

Additives like metabisulfite in propofol can have significant clinical effects. Metabisulfite acts as an antioxidant/preservative in some formulations, and sulfite-sensitive individuals—especially those with asthma—can experience bronchospasm when exposed to it. That makes the warning about bronchospasm in asthmatics the accurate statement.

Benzyl alcohol has been used in some older propofol products, but it is not considered safe for infants due to risk of gasping syndrome, so that claim isn’t correct. It also does not reliably reduce injection pain. Metabisulfite isn’t known to worsen hepatic function in this context, so that option isn’t supported either.