[Fospropofol: A new prodrug of propofol].

The development of new propofol formulations has advanced rapidly in the last ten years with the achievement of the marketing a new prodrug of propofol: fospropofol, pharmacologically different from the original compound. It is a water soluble compound that requires metabolism of the prodrug to propofol, which leads to a time delay between its administration and the appearance of its pharmacological effect. Its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics are different to the original formula. Due to its formulation it does not cause pain on intravenous injection, does not lead to hyperlipidaemia or excess bacterial growth. Although it is currently unavailable in Spain, it has been approved by the FDA (American Food and Drug Administration) for sedation in controlled care in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in adults. It must only be administered by personnel qualified to administer anaesthesia, and the patients must be monitored throughout the whole procedure.