A note on Propofol and sulfa allergy

Not all propofols are contraindicated in sulfa allergy. There is one form of generic propofol which contains a sulfite. It is intentionally added to retard bacterial growth to avoid contamination. Patients with an allergy to sulfa shouldn't receive this generic form of propofol, as an anaphylactic reaction may occur.

Another form of generic propofol is available which contains benzyl alcohol for inhibition of bacterial growth instead of a sulfite, and is safer to use in patients with sulfa allergy.

On other note, propofol contains soybean oil, glycerol, and egg yolk phospholipid. Therefore, contraindications to propofol administration include allergy to soybeans or egg lecithin.