New warnings regarding the use of certain sedative and anesthetic drugs from Health Canada

29 December 2017

Health Canada is advising Canadians and healthcare professionals that new safety warnings will be added to the product safety information of the following sedative and anesthetic drugs when they are used in early childhood and during pregnancy: Diprivan (propofol), Ketalar (ketamine), Sevorane (sevoflurane), Suprane (desflurane), Forane/Isoflurane USP (isoflurane), Ativan (lorazepam), midazolam, phenobarbital and thiopental.

Anesthetics and sedatives are used to prevent pain during surgery and other procedures or tests. However, the use of certain sedative and anesthetic drugs may have an impact on children’s developing brains, the Canadian medicines regulator stated.

The Department conducted two reviews to assess the potential risk of adverse effects on the development of children’s brains when certain sedative and anesthetic drugs are used in pregnancy or in early childhood.

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