propofol and green urine

[fireflymedic]

Please excuse the ignorance here, but Recently I transported a patient who had been on propofol infusion for several days and his urine was literally green. I had heard of this phenomenon, but I have never heard an explanation as to why this discoloration happens. I am wondering if this is part of the so called "propofol infusion syndrome". All research I have found states it to be benign, but I would still like to know why the urine has the discoloration is does. Is it part of the metabolization of the drug in the body through the liver or what? Thanks for the info

[VentMedic]

Clinical Significance of Rare and Benign Side Effects: Propofol and Green Urine

from Pharmacotherapy

Sybelle A. Blakey, Pharm.D., and Julie A. Hixson-Wallace, Pharm.D.

Propofol is metabolized in the liver and excreted in urine predominantly as the 1-glucuronide, 4-glucuronide, and 4-sulfate conjugates of 2,6-diisopropyl-1,4 quinol. Green discoloration of urine is attributed to the presence of these phenolic metabolites. In addition to urine, reports of green discoloration of the hair and liver after propofol administration implicate these phenols. The metabolites do not reflect or alter renal function.

More info at:

www.medscape.com

[Richard B the EMT]

String Hijack Alert!

What did Hawkeye Pierce keep giving Frank Burns that turned his urine Blue?

[firedoc5]

String Hijack Alert!

What did Hawkeye Pierce keep giving Frank Burns that turned his urine Blue?

That's what I was thinking.

A few times after having a kidney stone they put me on Pyridium, which turned my urine a very bright neon orange.

[Doczilla]

[staving off the hijackers with strong situational awareness and a heads up to the Air Marshal]

The green urine from propofol is incompletely understood, but generally felt to be benign. I have seen it once in one of my ICU patients. It was there for a day or two, then resolved on its own. It is not part of the propofol infusion syndrome, which is defined by rhabdomyolysis, acidosis, arrhythmias, renal failure, and/or liver failure in someone on long-term propofol infusion or extended propofol anesthesia.

'zilla