Effect of diluting propofol on the incidence of pain on injection and venous sequelae

The effect of diluting propofol in 5% dextrose on the incidence of i.v. injection pain was studied in 100 adult patients. Severe injection pain occurred in 32% (16 patients) who received undiluted propofol, compared with 10% (five patients) who received dilute propofol. We concluded that the dilution of propofol significantly reduced the incidence of severe pain during injection without increasing postoperative venous sequelae.