Induction dose of propofol in children.

In a study of 144 children aged 1-12 years, attempts were made to assess the ED50 and ED90 of the intravenous induction agent, propofol. The doses required for loss of eyelash reflex and tolerance of facemask, in 50% of unpremedicated children, were 1.6 mg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg respectively. In children premedicated with oral trimeprazine the corresponding values of ED50 were 1.1 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg. Doses of 2.8 mg/kg in unpremedicated and 2.0 mg/kg for those who received trimeprazine were required for loss of eyelash reflex in 90% of children. This probably corresponds to an effective induction dose. Pain and movement on induction were common; the incidence was 27% and 21.5% respectively.