Final answer:
Propofol expires in 12 hours due to the risk of bacterial growth given its lack of preservatives and its formulation in a lipid emulsion, which can support microbial growth when exposed to environmental contaminants. To ensure patient safety, any unused propofol is discarded after the 12-hour post-opening or dilution period.
Step-by-step explanation:
Propofol is an intravenous sedative-hypnotic agent used for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia or sedation. The reason propofol expires in 12 hours once opened or diluted is due to its high propensity for bacterial contamination and the lack of preservatives in its formulation to allow for prolonged stability. Upon exposure to air and environmental contaminants, propofol can support rapid bacterial growth, raising the risk of infection to patients if used beyond the recommended period.
Healthcare providers must adhere to the strict expiration guidelines, discarding any unused propofol after 12 hours to ensure patient safety. The 12-hour expiration window is determined by studies evaluating the stability and safety of the drug under various conditions. The emulsion in which propofol is formulated can degrade, further emphasizing the importance of following these strict expiration guidelines.