Propofol
2,6-diisopropylphenol
Also known as: Rapinovet · Diprivan · PropoClear · Fresenius Propoven · Norofol · Procare · PropoFlo Plus · Propofol-Lipuro Vet · disoprofol · ICI-35868 · propofolum
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Audited v13 dosing evidence
Reviewed non-calculator evidenceReviewed non-calculator evidence (16)
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
Ball pythons/anesthetic induction for isoflurane maintenance, but prolonged recovery; mild, resolving cardiac lesions
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 10 mg/kg intracardiac222. Species/Comments: Ball pythons/anesthetic induction for isoflurane maintenance, but prolonged recovery; mild, resolving cardiac lesions.
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
Chelonians/lower dosages (5–10 mg/kg IV295) may be used; 1 mg/kg/min may be given for maintenance295
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 12–15 mg/kg IV68,318. Species/Comments: Chelonians/lower dosages (5–10 mg/kg IV295) may be used; 1 mg/kg/min may be given for maintenance295.
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
If administered in supravertebral sinus, be aware for potential submeningeal delivery;271 see ketamine for combination; anesthesia; rapid, smooth induction; may give 15–25 min anesthesia and restraint in most species; rapid, excitement-free recovery; must be administered IV (slowly; no inflammation if goes perivascularly); may be administered IO; dosages may be reduced by as much as 50% in premedi
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: —. Species/Comments: If administered in supravertebral sinus, be aware for potential submeningeal delivery;271 see ketamine for combination; anesthesia; rapid, smooth induction; may give 15–25 min anesthesia and restraint in most species; rapid, excitement-free recovery; must be administered IV (slowly; no inflammation if goes perivascularly); may be administered IO; dosages may be reduced by as much as 50% in premedicated (e.g., ketamine) animals; may cause apnea and bradycardia; intubation and assisted ventilation generally required; considered by many to be parenteral agent of choice for inducing anesthesia.
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
Red-eared sliders/60–120 min anesthesia
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 20 mg/kg IV (supravertebral sinus)350. Species/Comments: Red-eared sliders/60–120 min anesthesia.
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
Most species/maintenance anesthesia; must provide respiratory and thermal support
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 0.3–0.5 mg/kg/min IV, IO constant rate infusion, or 0.5–1 mg/kg IV, IO periodic bolus298. Species/Comments: Most species/maintenance anesthesia; must provide respiratory and thermal support.
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
Snakes
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 5–10 mg/kg IV, intracardiac9,288. Species/Comments: Snakes.
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
Red-eared sliders/40–85 min anesthesia
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 10 mg/kg IV (supravertebral sinus)350. Species/Comments: Red-eared sliders/40–85 min anesthesia.
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
Lizards, snakes/0.25 mg/kg/min may be given for maintenance;99 green iguanas/anesthetic induction242
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 10 mg/kg IV, IO24,71,242. Species/Comments: Lizards, snakes/0.25 mg/kg/min may be given for maintenance;99 green iguanas/anesthetic induction242.
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
Snapping turtles/anesthetic induction
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 5 mg/kg IV106. Species/Comments: Snapping turtles/anesthetic induction.
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
Iguanas/higher dose is recommended for induction for short-duration procedures or intubation
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 5–10 mg/kg IV, IO24. Species/Comments: Iguanas/higher dose is recommended for induction for short-duration procedures or intubation.
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
Bearded dragons/effective for induction of anesthesia; respiratory depression noted; apnea in 2/8 animals
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 10 mg/kg IV262. Species/Comments: Bearded dragons/effective for induction of anesthesia; respiratory depression noted; apnea in 2/8 animals.
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
Lizards (iguanas)/intubation and minor diagnostic procedures; may need to give an additional dose in 3–5 min; less cardiopulmonary depression than with higher doses
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 3–5 mg/kg IV, IO119,120. Species/Comments: Lizards (iguanas)/intubation and minor diagnostic procedures; may need to give an additional dose in 3–5 min; less cardiopulmonary depression than with higher doses.
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
Giant tortoises
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 2 mg/kg IV22. Species/Comments: Giant tortoises.
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
Chelonians/sedation (i.e., shell repair)
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 3–5 mg/kg IV supravertebral sinus81. Species/Comments: Chelonians/sedation (i.e., shell repair).
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
Crocodilians/duration, 0.5–1.5 hr; maintain on gas anesthetics; experimental IM with hyaluronidase
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 10–15 mg/kg IV187. Species/Comments: Crocodilians/duration, 0.5–1.5 hr; maintain on gas anesthetics; experimental IM with hyaluronidase.
Evidence only — not for automatic calculation
South American rattlesnakes/anesthetic induction
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 15 mg/kg IV27. Species/Comments: South American rattlesnakes/anesthetic induction.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Propofol is a short-acting, highly lipophilic intravenous anesthetic agent widely used in veterinary medicine for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. It is particularly valuable for outpatient diagnostics or minor procedures due to its rapid onset and smooth, rapid recovery profile.
Key Clinical Features:
- Rapid Onset & Recovery: Induces anesthesia within 30-60 seconds; recovery is typically smooth and rapid due to redistribution from the CNS to other tissues.
- Organ Function: Safe for use in animals with mild to moderate cardiac disease, as well as liver or renal disease.
- Extra-label Uses: Frequently utilized as a continuous rate infusion (CRI) for refractory status epilepticus, especially in cases of hepatic encephalopathy where pentobarbital may be contraindicated.
- Feline Considerations: Cats lack the robust glucuronidation pathways present in dogs, making them susceptible to prolonged recoveries, Heinz body anemia, and malaise with repeated daily use or prolonged infusions.
Clinical Pearl: Propofol provides no analgesia. Appropriate perioperative analgesic protocols (e.g., opioids, NSAIDs, local blocks) must be employed for painful procedures.
Mechanism of action
While the monograph notes the mechanism is not well understood, modern pharmacological consensus indicates that propofol primarily acts as a positive allosteric modulator of inhibitory GABA_A receptors in the central nervous system.
- Mechanism: Propofol binds to GABA_A receptors → increases the inward conductance of chloride ions → hyperpolarizes the postsynaptic neuronal membrane → profound CNS depression and hypnosis.
- Cardiovascular & Respiratory: Causes dose-dependent direct myocardial depression, vasodilation (arterial hypotension), and significant respiratory depression (apnea is common with rapid boluses).
- Other Effects: Decreases intraocular pressure (IOP), possesses antiemetic properties, and at sub-anesthetic doses, can act as an appetite stimulant in dogs.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to propofol or any component of the product
- Patients where general anesthesia or sedation is strictly contraindicated
- Use of benzyl alcohol-preserved formulations for maintenance of anaesthesia via continuous rate infusion (CRI)
Adverse effects
- Transient respiratory depression and apnea (especially with rapid IV administration)
- Arterial hypotension and bradycardia
- Cyanosis (secondary to apnea)
- Seizure-like clinical signs during induction (paddling, opisthotonus, myoclonic twitching)
- Histamine release and rare anaphylactoid reactions
- Cats (with repeated/prolonged use): Heinz body anemia, slowed recovery, anorexia, lethargy, diarrhea
- Apnoea (especially with rapid injection)
- Severe hypotension
- Muscle rigidity and tremors (dogs)
- Paradoxical muscle movements (dogs)
- Heinz body anaemia (cats, with repeated daily use)
- Pain on IV injection
Precautions
Important Warnings:
- Respiratory Support: Propofol should only be used in facilities where intubation and artificial ventilation capabilities are immediately available.
- Administration Rate: Give slowly (e.g., 25% of calculated dose every 30 seconds) to minimize the risk of severe apnea and cyanosis.
- Patient Status: Use with extreme caution in patients in shock, under severe stress, or with severe trauma, hypoproteinemia, or hyperlipidemia.
- Feline Patients: Cats with preexisting liver disease may have prolonged recoveries. Repeated daily use or prolonged CRI in cats can cause oxidative RBC injury (Heinz body anemia).
- Handling (Macroemulsion): Contains no preservatives and is an excellent growth medium for bacteria. Handle with strict asepsis and discard unused portions within 6 hours.
Drug interactions
Propofol serum concentrations may be increased; propofol induction may require higher initial inhalant concentrations due to rapid recovery.
Propofol dosage requirements for sedation or hypnosis may be reduced.
Propofol-induced bradycardia may be exacerbated, particularly when opiate premedicants are used.
May decrease clearance of propofol and increase recovery times.
When used as a premed, may reduce propofol dosage requirements.
Increased sedative, anesthetic, and cardiorespiratory depression possible; propofol dose should generally be reduced by ~25%.
May potentially increase recovery times associated with propofol (especially significant in cats).
Increased risk for bradycardia.
Hypoxemia may occur when propofol is used after medetomidine; dosage adjustments and adequate monitoring required.
May reduce the propofol dose required for induction by 20-25%.
Synergistic effects; midazolam plasma concentrations may be increased up to 20%.
May increase the serum concentrations of both the opiate and propofol if used together; markedly reduces propofol induction requirements.
Synergistic CNS depression; significantly reduces the dose of propofol required for induction and maintenance
Synergistic CNS depression; reduces propofol dose requirements
Monitoring
- Level of anesthesia/CNS effects
- Respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth (monitor for apnea/cyanosis)
- Cardiovascular status (cardiac rate/rhythm, blood pressure, pulse oximetry)
- Respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth (capnography recommended)
- Heart rate and rhythm (ECG)
- Oxygen saturation (SpO2)
- Depth of anaesthesia
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier after IV administration. Onset of action is usually within one minute.
Distribution
Highly bound to plasma proteins (95-99%). Highly lipophilic. Crosses the placenta and enters maternal milk. Steady state volume of distribution in dogs is >3 L/kg. Short duration of action (2-5 minutes) is principally due to rapid redistribution from the CNS to other tissues.
Metabolism
Rapidly biotransformed in the liver via glucuronide conjugation to inactive metabolites. Cats do not glucuronidate as well as dogs, leading to potential toxicity with consecutive day administration.
Elimination
Inactive metabolites are excreted primarily by the kidneys. Clearance in dogs is about 50 mL/kg/min.
Overdose
Overdosages are likely to cause significant respiratory depression (apnea) and potentially severe cardiovascular depression (hypotension, bradycardia).
Treatment:
- Immediately discontinue propofol administration.
- Establish an airway and provide artificial ventilation with 100% oxygen.
- Administer symptomatic and supportive treatment for cardiovascular depression (e.g., intravenous fluid therapy, vasopressors, anticholinergics like atropine or glycopyrrolate).
Available products
Formulations
- Macroemulsion injection (10 mg/mL)
- Microemulsion injection (10 mg/mL)
- Injectable: 10 mg/ml solution (lipid emulsion without preservative)
- Injectable: 10 mg/ml solution (lipid emulsion with benzyl alcohol preservative)
Veterinary
- Propofol Injectable (macroemulsion): 10 mg/mL in 5 mL and 20 mL vials (Rapinovet, PropoFlo)
- Propofol Injectable (microemulsion): 10 mg/mL in 20 mL, 50 mL and 100 mL multi-dose vials (PropoClear)
- Norofol 10 mg/ml
- Procare 10 mg/ml
- PropoFlo Plus 10 mg/ml
- PropoFol 10 mg/ml
- Propofol-Lipuro Vet 10 mg/ml
- Rapinovet 10 mg/ml
Human-labeled
- Propofol Injectable Emulsion: 10 mg/mL in 20 mL amps & vials, 50 mL & 100 mL vials, infusion vials, and prefilled syringes (Diprivan, Propoven)
- Diprivan 10 mg/ml
- Propofol 10 mg/ml
- Propofol 20 mg/ml
Regulatory status
POM-V classification.
POM-V classification.
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Macroemulsion: Store below 22°C (72°F), but not below 4°C (40°F). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Protect from light. Shake well. Discard unused portion after 6 hours. Microemulsion: Store at controlled room temperature, protected from light. Do not store above 30°C or refrigerate. Discard unused portions 28 days after first use.
Client information
Propofol is a rapid-acting anesthetic given by injection by your veterinarian to induce sleep for surgery or minor procedures.
- Fast Acting: It works very quickly (usually within a minute) and wears off rapidly once the procedure is done, allowing for a smooth and quick wake-up.
- Safety: It is generally very safe, even for pets with mild heart, liver, or kidney disease. Your veterinary team will closely monitor your pet's breathing and heart rate while they are asleep.
- Not a Painkiller: Propofol makes your pet sleep but does not stop pain. Your veterinarian will use other medications alongside it to ensure your pet is comfortable and pain-free.
- Cats: If your cat requires repeated anesthesia over several days, your veterinarian may choose a different drug, as cats process propofol more slowly than dogs.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.