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Propofol

Short-acting IV general anaesthetic (alkylphenol) · Intravenous Anesthetic, Sedative-Hypnotic

Also known as Diprivan, Propofol Lipuro, Propofol-®Fresenius

START
Induction 1.5–2.5 mg/kg IV titrated (reduce in elderly); maintenance 4–12 mg/kg/h
TYPICAL MAX
Titrate to effect; ICU ≤4 mg/kg/h, limit duration (PRIS)
STOP IF
Propofol infusion syndrome (acidosis/rhabdomyolysis), severe hypotension, anaphylaxis
WATCH
Continuous BP/ECG/SpO2 + airway, triglycerides/CK/acid-base if prolonged ICU, strict asepsis (discard ≤12 h)
CDSCO approvedH (Prescription Drug. To be sold by retail on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner only.)ATC N01AX10
Dose laddermg/d
105start140titrate175ceiling
Renal dose adjustmenteGFR mL/min/1.73m²
FULLNo dose adjustment at any eGFR (titrated to effect)90

KDIGO 2024 + manufacturer label

Pharmacokineticsplasma · t hours
36sONSET2minPEAK3min8minDURATION
ONSET
36s · onset (~40 s)
PEAK
2min · peak (~2 min)
3min · initial t½ (~3 min)
DURATION
8min · single-dose effect (~8 min)
EXCRETION
Hepatic glucuronidation; renal metabolites
route + CYP
INTERACTIONS
10 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
Use if required for anaesthesia — crosses placenta; neonatal depression if used at delivery
FDA category + note
Top interactionssee all 10
  • IsocarboxazidSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • OliceridineSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • OzanimodSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • PapaverineSevereDatabaseDDInter
Available in India

27 branded formulations. Look up specific brands in the Drugs workspace.

Mechanism

Positive modulation of GABA-A receptors (and other CNS effects) producing rapid hypnosis/sedation with quick recovery; antiemetic at low doses; lipid-emulsion formulation.

Indications

Induction and maintenance of general anaesthesiaProcedural and ICU sedation (ventilated patients)

Dosing

Adult
Induction 1.5–2.5 mg/kg IV (titrated, lower in elderly/compromised). Maintenance 4–12 mg/kg/h infusion. ICU sedation 0.3–4 mg/kg/h. Procedural sedation small titrated boluses.
Pediatric
>1 month induction ~2.5–3.5 mg/kg; ICU sedation NOT recommended in children (propofol infusion syndrome risk).
Renal adjustment
No specific adjustment.
Hepatic adjustment
No specific adjustment; titrate to effect.
Geriatric
Reduce induction dose and rate (greater hypotension/apnoea).
Max dose
Titrated to effect; ICU sedation generally ≤4 mg/kg/h (limit duration — PRIS risk)

Pharmacokinetics

Onset
~30–60 s (one arm-brain circulation)
Peak effect
~1–2 min
Duration
~5–10 min (single dose; rapid redistribution)
Half-life
Initial 2–4 min; terminal hours (context-sensitive with infusion)
Bioavailability
IV only
Protein binding
~97–99%
Metabolism
Hepatic (glucuronidation, CYP) + extrahepatic
Excretion
Renal (metabolites; <1% unchanged)

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to propofol, egg, soya or peanut (formulation-dependent)
  • Use only by personnel trained in anaesthesia/airway with monitoring
  • Caution: haemodynamic instability, severe cardiac/respiratory disease, raised triglycerides (prolonged ICU)

Side effects

Common
HypotensionApnoea/respiratory depressionInjection-site painBradycardiaInvoluntary movements
Serious
  • Severe hypotension/cardiovascular collapse
  • Propofol infusion syndrome (metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, cardiac failure — prolonged high-dose, esp. children)
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Apnoea/airway loss; bacterial contamination of emulsion (sepsis)
  • Pancreatitis (hypertriglyceridaemia)

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Use if required for anaesthesia — crosses placenta; neonatal depression if used at delivery

Lactation

Single anaesthetic dose compatible — brief interruption sufficient (very short t½)

Drug interactions

Isocarboxazid
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Oliceridine
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Ozanimod
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Papaverine
Severe
Database

.

Source: DDInter

Phenelzine
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Opioids
Severe
Database

Additive hypnosis, hypotension and respiratory depression

Reduce propofol dose; titrate; full monitoring/airway

Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla

Remimazolam
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Selegiline
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Sodium Oxybate
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Tranylcypromine
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

2 additional low-confidence interactions hidden — those rows lack a documented mechanism or management plan in our sources.

Related guidelines

Ask House about Propofol

Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.

Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e, Harrison 22e, Katzung, BNF·Verified: 2026-05-19 · House clinical team·Cockpit curated: 2026-05-19