Dangerous surgical anesthetic Propofol found at Jackson home

July 1, 8:26 AMSF Health News ExaminerJefferson Adams

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Among the drugs investigators removed from the home of
the late pop star Michael Jackson was a dangerous surgical
anesthetic called Propofol, according to sources cited by TMZ.
AP Photo: Joel Ryan, file

Among the drugs investigators removed from the home of Michael Jackson was a dangerous surgical anesthetic called Propofol, according to sources cited by TMZ. Many are now wondering if Propofol was the drug that killed Michael Jackson, or if it played a role in the pop star's untimely death.

Propofol is an extremely potent drug used to render patients unconscious prior to surgery. The drug has no prescription or home applications, and is intended for use solely in clinical settings. One source cited by TMZ said, "There is no conceivable way this drug can be properly prescribed for home use."

The drug can for intravenous use only. Also, a burning sensation is one common side effect of Propofol, and the drug Lidocaine is commonly used in conjunction with Propofol to reduce the painful burning sensation that usually comes with Propofol injection.TMZ recently reported that Lidocaine was found near Jackson's body.

One of the major side-effects of Propofol is cardiac arrest, especially if given in combination with narcotic painkillers. However, the drug is potent enough to cause heart failure all by itself, especially if misused.

A registered nurse has publicly stated that an insomnia-addled Jackson had begged her to prescribe Diprivan, a brand-name version of the drug, but that she refused.

Sources say the drug is so potent and its use so restricted that, if it is found to have played a part in Jackson's death, any doctor who enabled any type of home use of Propofol for Jackson could face manslaughter charges.

For more info: TMZ