American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
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Pharmacoeconomic data on the use of propofol in anesthesia are reviewed, with consideration of clinical characteristics that affect overall costs. Propofol is more expensive than many other anesthetics but its use can affect the costs of perioperative care as well as costs not directly related to the health care system, such as those associated with time off work. Using propofol can result in earlier discharge from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), which can result in lower PACU costs. ⋯ Policy changes regarding criteria for discharge from the PACU may need to be implemented if the economic advantages of propofol are to be realized. Anesthesia with propofol, compared with other agents, has been associated with shorter stays in the PACU. Whether using propofol decreases the costs of care is unclear.