It's official: Michael Jackson's death was caused by propofol intoxication. The powerful sedative, in combination with other medications to treat his insomnia, apparently took his life.
The drug propofol is often used to induce unconsciousness for surgical procedures or in patients who are intubated and on a ventilator in an intensive care setting. It is sometimes casually called "milk of amnesia" because of its white, milky color and its effects. Its potency was likely increased when given with other sedatives found in Jackson's system.
It is very unusual for propofol to be administered in a private home, but it is not a controlled substance requiring special prescribing privileges. The use of it to treat insomnia would violate standard medical guidelines, however.
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