General
milk of amnesia
What does milk of amnesia mean?
Pun for propofol, an IV anaesthetic that is a white emulsion and causes amnesia — a play on 'milk of magnesia.'
"Push the milk of amnesia and he'll be under in seconds."
Origin
Pun on the antacid 'milk of magnesia'; propofol's milky appearance.
Frequently asked questions
What is 'milk of amnesia'?
It's a punning nickname for propofol, an IV anaesthetic that is a milky-white emulsion and causes amnesia.
Why is propofol called milk of amnesia?
It's a play on the antacid 'milk of magnesia,' combining propofol's milky look with its amnesic effect.
Is milk of amnesia a real product name?
No, it's affectionate anaesthetist slang, not an official name.
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