Propofol
2,6-diisopropylphenol
También conocido como: Rapinovet · Diprivan · PropoClear · Fresenius Propoven · Norofol · Procare · PropoFlo Plus · Propofol-Lipuro Vet · disoprofol · ICI-35868 · propofolum
Revisado por el equipo veterinario de VetSheetActualizado 5 abr 2026Referencia veterinaria basada en la evidencia
Evidencia posológica v13 auditada
Evidencia revisada no calculableEvidencia revisada no calculable (16)
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
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.
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
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.
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
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.
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
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.
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
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.
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
Snakes
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 5–10 mg/kg IV, intracardiac9,288. Species/Comments: Snakes.
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
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.
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
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.
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
Snapping turtles/anesthetic induction
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 5 mg/kg IV106. Species/Comments: Snapping turtles/anesthetic induction.
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
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.
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
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.
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
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.
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
Giant tortoises
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 2 mg/kg IV22. Species/Comments: Giant tortoises.
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
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).
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
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.
Solo evidencia; no apta para cálculo automático
South American rattlesnakes/anesthetic induction
TABLE 127.5. Agent: Propofol. Dosage: 15 mg/kg IV27. Species/Comments: South American rattlesnakes/anesthetic induction.
Las dosis son una referencia clínica para profesionales veterinarios autorizados. Confirme siempre con el prospecto actual y cada paciente individual.
Resumen
El propofol es un agente anestésico intravenoso de acción corta y altamente lipofílico, ampliamente utilizado en medicina veterinaria para la inducción y el mantenimiento de la anestesia general. Es particularmente valioso para diagnósticos ambulatorios o procedimientos menores debido a su rápido inicio de acción y su perfil de recuperación suave y rápida.
Características clínicas clave:
- Inicio y recuperación rápidos: Induce la anestesia en 30-60 segundos; la recuperación suele ser suave y rápida debido a la redistribución desde el SNC hacia otros tejidos.
- Función orgánica: Seguro para su uso en animales con enfermedad cardíaca leve a moderada, así como con enfermedad hepática o renal.
- Usos fuera de etiqueta: Se utiliza frecuentemente como infusión de tasa constante (CRI) para el estado epiléptico refractario, especialmente en casos de encefalopatía hepática donde el pentobarbital puede estar contraindicado.
- Consideraciones en felinos: Los gatos carecen de las vías de glucuronidación robustas presentes en los perros, lo que los hace susceptibles a recuperaciones prolongadas, anemia por cuerpos de Heinz y malestar con el uso diario repetido o infusiones prolongadas.
Perla clínica: El propofol no proporciona analgesia. Se deben emplear protocolos analgésicos perioperatorios adecuados (p. ej., opioides, AINE, bloqueos locales) para procedimientos dolorosos.
Mecanismo de acción
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.
Seguridad y advertencias
Contraindicaciones
- 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)
Efectos adversos
- 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
Precauciones
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.
Interacciones farmacológicas
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
Monitorización
- 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
Farmacocinética
Vida media
Absorción
Rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier after IV administration. Onset of action is usually within one minute.
Distribución
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.
Metabolismo
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.
Eliminación
Inactive metabolites are excreted primarily by the kidneys. Clearance in dogs is about 50 mL/kg/min.
Sobredosis
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).
Productos disponibles
Formulaciones
- 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)
Veterinario
- 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
Etiquetado para humanos
- 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
Estado regulador
POM-V classification.
POM-V classification.
Sin datos reguladores para: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Almacenamiento y estabilidad
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.
Información para el cliente
El propofol es un anestésico de acción rápida administrado mediante inyección por su veterinario para inducir el sueño durante una cirugía o procedimientos menores.
- Acción rápida: Funciona muy rápidamente (generalmente en un minuto) y desaparece rápidamente una vez finalizado el procedimiento, lo que permite un despertar suave y rápido.
- Seguridad: Es generalmente muy seguro, incluso para mascotas con enfermedad cardíaca, hepática o renal leve. Su equipo veterinario monitoreará de cerca la respiración y la frecuencia cardíaca de su mascota mientras esté dormida.
- No es un analgésico: El propofol hace que su mascota duerma pero no elimina el dolor. Su veterinario utilizará otros medicamentos junto con él para asegurar que su mascota esté cómoda y sin dolor.
- Gatos: Si su gato requiere anestesia repetida durante varios días, su veterinario puede elegir un fármaco diferente, ya que los gatos procesan el propofol más lentamente que los perros.
La referencia de medicamentos de VetSheet está destinada a profesionales veterinarios autorizados como ayuda para la toma de decisiones clínicas, no como sustituto del criterio profesional ni del prospecto actual del fabricante.