Propofol
Propofol is a rapid-acting intravenous anesthetic used to induce and maintain general anesthesia during surgical procedures, as well as provide sedation for patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in intensive care settings. It works by enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA in the brain, producing unconsciousness and amnesia. The drug is administered only by qualified healthcare professionals in controlled settings due to its potent effects on breathing and cardiovascular function.
Propofol is a widely-used intravenous anesthetic and sedative that works by modulating GABA receptors to produce rapid, controllable sedation and unconsciousness during surgery and critical care.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N01AX10
- RxNorm
- 8782
- Generic
- Propofol
- Class
- atc-n01
- Brands
- Propoflo, Propovan, Diprivan, Propoven
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, suspension
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks, particularly in first trimester
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesterreduce dose
use lowest effective dose, may cause neonatal respiratory depression at delivery
fetal monitoring, neonatal assessment at birth
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingpump and discard milk for 24 hours
temporary interruption of breastfeeding recommended after administration
observe infant for sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 20-40%
use lower induction and maintenance doses, slow administration
continuous hemodynamic and respiratory monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesreduce dose, use with extreme caution
not recommended for ICU sedation in neonates, use only for anesthesia induction
continuous cardiovascular and respiratory monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 1 12 yearsadjust weight-based dosing
use lower doses, not recommended for prolonged sedation in ICU
close hemodynamic and respiratory monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severemay require dose reduction
use lower doses, metabolites may accumulate
monitor for prolonged sedation, renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 25-50%
reduce dose due to decreased hepatic clearance
monitor liver function and sedation depth
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for anesthetic use
Drug class
ATC classification as N01A (general anesthetics)
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic mechanism
Propofol is used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia during surgery, sedation during diagnostic procedures, and prolonged sedation for mechanically ventilated patients in ICUs. It is also commonly used for procedural sedation in outpatient settings such as endoscopy and minor surgeries.
Propofol produces its anesthetic and sedative effects by positively modulating the GABA-A receptor complex in the central nervous system. This enhances the inhibitory signaling of GABA, the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, leading to decreased neuronal activity, sedation, and loss of consciousness. The drug's mechanism of action involves multiple receptor targets beyond GABA-A, contributing to its rapid onset and smooth recovery profile.
Propofol carries significant risks including respiratory depression, hypotension, and loss of airway reflexes, requiring continuous monitoring by trained personnel. It should only be administered by professionals skilled in anesthesia or critical care with appropriate resuscitation equipment available. The drug is contraindicated in patients with known propofol infusion syndrome risk factors and requires careful dosing adjustments in elderly, debilitated, or hemodynamically unstable patients. Propofol is not an analgesic, so additional pain medication may be needed during surgical procedures.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy