Critifol Injection: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Safety
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Severe difficulty breathing or stopped breathing
- Sudden drop in blood pressure or heart rate
- Signs of allergic reaction such as rash, swelling of face or throat
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Confusion or delayed awakening after procedure
- Muscle rigidity or involuntary movements
- Dark or decreased urine output during prolonged infusion
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is critifol injection used for?
This medicine is a short-acting intravenous anaesthetic used for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia and for sedation in intensive care. It works rapidly and requires administration by a trained anaesthesiologist in a monitored setting.
- Generic Name: Propofol
- Manufacturer: Raman Weil Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 critifol injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा प्रोपोफोल नामक सक्रिय तत्व वाला एक इंजेक्शन है, जिसका उपयोग अस्पताल में विशेषज्ञ डॉक्टरों द्वारा सामान्य एनेस्थीसिया देने के लिए किया जाता है। इसका उपयोग सर्जरी से पहले रोगी को बेहोश करने, सर्जरी के दौरान बेहोशी बनाए रखने, और आईसीयू में मरीजों को शांत रखने के लिए किया जाता है। यह दवा बहुत तेजी से असर करती है और मरीज कुछ ही सेकंड में बेहोश हो जाता है। यह दवा केवल अस्पताल में ही दी जाती है और इसे घर पर कभी भी नहीं लिया जाना चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में इंजेक्शन लगाने की जगह पर जलन, रक्तचाप में कमी, धीमी हृदय गति, और सांस रुकना शामिल हैं। कुछ मरीजों को उल्टी, सिरदर्द और चक्कर भी आ सकते हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में तेजी से सांस रुकना, गंभीर निम्न रक्तचाप, और एलर्जी प्रतिक्रिया शामिल हैं। लंबे समय तक अधिक मात्रा में उपयोग से प्रोपोफोल इन्फ्यूजन सिंड्रोम हो सकता है, जो एक गंभीर स्थिति है।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल योग्य एनेस्थेसियोलॉजिस्ट या गहन चिकित्सा विशेषज्ञ द्वारा ही दी जानी चाहिए। इसे अस्पताल या सर्जिकल सेंटर के बाहर कभी भी उपयोग न करें। इस दवा को लेने से पहले अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी एलर्जी, विशेषकर अंडे और सोया से होने वाली एलर्जी के बारे में बताएं। इस दवा को लेने के बाद कम से कम 24 घंटे तक वाहन न चलाएं और मशीनरी न चलाएं। इस दवा के साथ शराब का सेवन बिल्कुल न करें।
💊 critifol injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Induction of general anaesthesia","description":"This medicine is used to rapidly induce unconsciousness before surgical procedures, typically as part of a balanced anaesthesia technique.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Maintenance of general anaesthesia","description":"Continuous infusion or repeated boluses maintain anaesthetic depth during surgery.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Sedation in intensive care units","description":"Used for short-term sedation of mechanically ventilated patients in ICU settings.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Procedural sedation","description":"Provides sedation for diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, and cardioversion.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Sedation for minor surgical procedures","description":"Used in monitored anaesthesia care for minor interventions.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Refractory status epilepticus","description":"Occasionally used as a third-line agent for refractory seizures in intensive care settings.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Treatment-resistant depression","description":"Investigated in research settings for rapid mood improvement, but not standard practice.","evidence":"Investigational"}]
Primary treatment for: General anaesthesia
Also treats: Intensive care sedation, Procedural sedation
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Propofol |
| Brand Name | Cleofol |
| Manufacturer | Raman Weil Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | PAIN ANALGESICS |
| Action Class | General anaesthetic agents |
| Route of Administration | Intravenous (parenteral) |
| Storage | Store this medicine at a controlled room temperature between 20°C and 25°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep the vial or ampoule in its original carton until use. Do not use if the emulsion appears discoloured or contains particulate matter. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life of this medicine is typically 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored as directed. Once opened, it should be used immediately and any unused portion discarded. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine produces its anaesthetic effect primarily by potentiating the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid at GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system. By enhancing chloride ion influx through the GABA-A receptor channel, it hyperpolarises neurons and reduces their excitability, leading to sedation, hypnosis, and loss of consciousness. At higher concentrations, it may also inhibit NMDA receptor-mediated excitation. The rapid onset and short duration of action are due to its high lipid solubility and rapid redistribution from the brain to peripheral tissues.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take critifol injection
Strength: This medicine is available as an intravenous emulsion in various strengths, typically 10 mg per mL in 20 mL ampoules or 50 mL vials. The exact strength is specified on the product label.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dose of this medicine must be individualised by a qualified clinician based on the indication, patient age, weight, and clinical status. For induction of anaesthesia, a typical adult dose is 1.5 to 2.5 mg per kg body weight given intravenously, but lower doses are used in elderly or debilitated patients. For maintenance, a continuous infusion of 4 to 12 mg per kg per hour is commonly used. For sedation in intensive care, doses range from 0.3 to 4 mg per kg per hour. These are general guidelines only; the exact dose must be determined by the attending anaesthesiologist. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician or pediatric anaesthesiologist for appropriate dosing. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of this medicine and may require lower doses. Dose reduction and slower administration are recommended. Close monitoring of vital signs is essential. |
| Renal Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is generally required for renal impairment, but caution is advised in severe renal failure. Monitor for prolonged effects. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Patients with hepatic impairment may require lower doses due to reduced clearance. Dose adjustment should be based on clinical response and monitoring. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is not fixed and depends on the clinical situation. For prolonged sedation, doses should be titrated to the lowest effective level, and the infusion should not exceed 4 mg per kg per hour for more than 48 hours without specialist review. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of critifol injection
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Morphine | Major | |
| Midazolam | Major | |
| Fentanyl | Major | |
| Metoprolol | Moderate | |
| Amlodipine | Moderate | |
| Theophylline | Moderate | |
| Metoclopramide | Minor | |
| Ketamine | Minor | |
| Alcohol | Major | |
| Warfarin | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Opioids (e.g., morphine, fentanyl)
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam, diazepam)
- Antihypertensives
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Theophylline
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be strictly avoided before and after receiving this medicine, as it can potentiate the sedative and respiratory depressant effects, leading to dangerous outcomes. Patients must not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours after anaesthesia.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to propofol or any component of the emulsion","Allergy to egg or soy lecithin","Severe cardiovascular disease with compromised cardiac output","Increased intracranial pressure (relative contraindication)","Pregnancy (unless clearly needed for surgery)"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Must only be administered by trained personnel in a monitored setting.","Continuous monitoring of vital signs is mandatory.","Avoid in patients with known egg or soy allergy.","Use with caution in elderly and debilitated patients.","Prolonged infusion may lead to propofol infusion syndrome.","Do not use for long-term sedation in children without specialist supervision.","Avoid in patients with severe hypotension or shock.","May impair ability to drive or operate machinery for 24 hours post-administration."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
This medicine is excreted in small amounts in breast milk. It is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers after anaesthesia, but it is advisable to pump and discard breast milk for 24 hours after receiving this medicine to minimise infant exposure. Consult your doctor for personalised advice.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can cause profound cardiovascular and respiratory depression, leading to cardiac arrest. Management includes immediate discontinuation of the infusion, securing the airway, providing assisted ventilation with oxygen, and supporting blood pressure with intravenous fluids and vasopressors. There is no specific antidote. Patients should be monitored in an intensive care unit until stable.
⏰ Missed Dose
This medicine is administered by healthcare professionals in a controlled setting, so missed doses are not applicable. If a scheduled dose is missed during a continuous infusion, the medical team will adjust the infusion rate accordingly.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine must only be administered by a qualified anaesthesiologist or intensive care physician in a facility equipped with resuscitation equipment, oxygen, and airway management devices. Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate is mandatory throughout administration. Do not attempt to use this medicine outside a hospital or accredited surgical centre. Inform your medical team about all allergies, especially to eggs, soy, or previous anaesthetic agents. Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or making important decisions for at least 24 hours after receiving this medicine. Do not consume alcohol or sedative drugs before or after administration without medical clearance. Pregnant women should inform their doctor before receiving this medicine. Breastfeeding mothers should discuss timing of feeding with their clinician.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of this medicine and may require lower doses. Close monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory status is essential. Recovery may be prolonged.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving this medicine. It should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your clinician.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
After surgery, you will be monitored until you are fully awake. You may experience drowsiness, nausea, or dizziness. Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding activity, diet, and medication.
🦷 Dental Procedures
This medicine may be used for sedation during dental procedures in certain cases. Inform your dentist if you have received this medicine recently. Avoid driving yourself home after dental sedation.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 24 hours after receiving this medicine, as it may cause dizziness and impair coordination.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine causes sedation and impairs coordination and judgment. You must not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for at least 24 hours after receiving it. Plan to take the day off work.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
This medicine is stopped by the healthcare provider once the procedure is complete or sedation is no longer needed. Do not attempt to stop or adjust the infusion yourself.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is limited to prolonged sedation in intensive care settings. Prolonged high-dose infusion can lead to propofol infusion syndrome, which is a serious condition. Regular monitoring of blood gases, electrolytes, and creatine kinase is necessary. There is no evidence of long-term harm after a single anaesthetic dose.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Can be used as an alternative for certain surgeries, avoiding general anaesthesia.
Evidence: Well-establishedEtomidate or thiopental may be used in patients with specific contraindications to this medicine.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no specific vaccine interactions with this medicine. However, elective procedures should be scheduled when the patient is not acutely ill.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (20-25°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Protect from light
❌ DON'T
Do not use if discoloured
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
This medicine is administered only in a hospital setting, so travel advice is not applicable. Patients who have received this medicine should not travel alone or drive for at least 24 hours. If travelling after a procedure, carry a copy of your prescription and medical records. Inform your travel companion about the medicine and any potential side effects. Do not carry this medicine yourself; it is handled by medical professionals.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine works within 30 to 60 seconds after intravenous injection.
A: This medicine typically causes amnesia, so you are unlikely to remember the procedure.
A: No, you must not drive for at least 24 hours after receiving this medicine. Arrange for someone to drive you home.
A: Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can be used as a sleep aid at home.
Fact: This medicine is a potent anaesthetic and must only be used in a hospital setting under medical supervision. - Myth: This medicine is safe for everyone.
Fact: It is contraindicated in people with allergies to eggs or soy and in those with certain heart conditions. - Myth: You can drive immediately after receiving this medicine.
Fact: You must not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after receiving this medicine.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Propofol injection
Brand Alternatives
- Not established from the available information.