Propofol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Brands | MedexInfo

Propofol

Rx Only

Generic NamePropofol

Therapeutic ClassGeneral Anesthetic / Sedative-Hypnotic

Common Dose1–2.5 mg/kg IV (induction)

Max / 24hAs per anesthesia protocol

PregnancyCategory B

Indications ▼

Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia

Sedation for mechanically ventilated patients in ICU

Procedural sedation (e.g., endoscopy, minor surgeries)

Mechanism & Pharmacokinetics ▼

Mechanism: Potentiates GABA-A receptor activity, increasing inhibitory neurotransmission in the CNS, leading to sedation and anesthesia.

Pharmacokinetics: Rapid onset (within seconds); highly lipophilic; extensively metabolized in liver; excreted via urine; short duration due to redistribution; half-life ~1–3 hours.

Dosage & Administration ▼

Patient Category	Recommended Dose	Max / 24h
Adults	Induction: 1–2.5 mg/kg IV; Maintenance: 50–200 mcg/kg/min infusion	As per anesthesia protocol
Elderly	Reduced dose: 1–1.5 mg/kg IV; slower titration	As per protocol
Children ≥3 years	2.5–3.5 mg/kg IV for induction; maintenance per specialist	As per pediatric protocol

Note: Administer only by trained personnel in settings with airway management support. Continuous monitoring required.

Side Effects ▼

Hypotension, respiratory depression, apnea

Pain at injection site

Bradycardia, arrhythmias (rare)

Propofol infusion syndrome (rare but serious)

Contraindications ▼

Hypersensitivity to propofol or formulation components (e.g., egg/soy products)

Hemodynamic instability without proper monitoring

Use with caution in severe cardiac or respiratory disorders

Drug Interaction ▼

Potentiates effects of other CNS depressants (opioids, benzodiazepines)

Concurrent antihypertensives may enhance hypotension

May reduce dose requirement of inhalational anesthetics

Pregnancy & Lactation ▼

Generally considered safe for short procedures; use only if clearly needed

Excreted in breast milk in small amounts; breastfeeding may resume after recovery

Clinical / Research Summary ▼

Widely used intravenous anesthetic with rapid onset and recovery profile

Preferred for short procedures and ICU sedation

Extensively studied in anesthesia and critical care practice

Patient Counseling Points ▼

Administered only in clinical settings by trained professionals

Patients may feel drowsy after procedure; avoid driving or important tasks

Report any allergic reaction or breathing difficulty immediately

Storage & Handling ▼

Store at 2–25°C; do not freeze

Use aseptic technique; discard unused portion after opening

Protect from contamination

Brand Names (Bangladesh & Global) ▼

Bangladesh:

Propofol Injection

Global:

Diprivan® Propofol

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare provider for professional guidance.

Reference Hubs:

• Drug Class: General Anesthetics • Condition: Surgical & Procedural Sedation • Pathway: GABA-A Receptor Modulation • Clinical Evidence & Trials