Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Anaesthetic (IV Induction / Sedation)

Propofol

Brand names: Diprivan

Propofol is a short-acting intravenous anaesthetic used to induce and maintain general anaesthesia and for sedation in intensive care and procedures.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

See Full Prescribing Information for detailed dosing instructions. 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Information Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Shake well before use. Do not use if there is evidence of excessive creaming or aggregation, if large droplets are visible, or if there are other forms of phase separation indicating that the stability of the product has been compromised. Slight creaming, which should disappear after shaking, may be visible upon prolonged standing. Do not use if there is evidence of separation of the phases of the emulsion. Propofol …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2025-05-26. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It potentiates GABA-A receptor activity, producing rapid loss of consciousness and rapid recovery.

Prescribing in practice

  • It causes dose-related hypotension and respiratory depression/apnoea — give by those trained in anaesthesia with airway and resuscitation support.
  • Prolonged high-dose infusion (especially in critical care) risks propofol infusion syndrome (metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, cardiac failure).
  • Pain on injection is common; it is a lipid emulsion (provides calories and supports microbial growth — handle aseptically).

Monitoring

Continuous monitoring of conscious level, oxygenation, airway and blood pressure; for long ICU infusions monitor for acidosis, lipids and creatine kinase.

Counselling the patient

  • You will be monitored closely while it is given.
  • Do not drive or make important decisions for the rest of the day after sedation.

Evidence & guidelines

A standard intravenous anaesthetic and ICU/procedural sedative, used only with anaesthetic-level monitoring.

Reference: AAGBI Propofol Guidance; ESICM Sedation Guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Pathways