Propofol Injection for General Anesthesia

Propofol medication is an intravenous anesthetic used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. The overview below summarizes clinical uses, safety, storage, and ways to order at Canadian pricing without insurance.

What Propofol Is and How It Works

Ships from Canada to US with a valid prescription and appropriate clinical use. CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

Propofol is a sedative-hypnotic in a lipid emulsion for intravenous use. It facilitates inhibitory neurotransmission at the GABA-A receptor, producing hypnosis and amnesia. The medicine is used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, monitored anesthesia care (MAC) sedation, and sedation of intubated patients in intensive care when clinically appropriate. The branded reference product is Diprivan® (propofol), but multiple generics exist.

Onset is rapid, typically within one minute, and effects wane quickly when infusions stop. This allows controlled titration by trained anesthesia professionals and often smoother emergence compared with some alternatives.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in appropriately monitored patients. It can also be used for procedural sedation in settings with continuous monitoring and airway support immediately available. Sedation of intubated, mechanically ventilated adults in the ICU may be considered by critical care teams.

It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to propofol or any component of the emulsion (for example, egg lecithin or soybean oil). It is not recommended for labor and delivery anesthesia. Pediatric ICU sedation is generally avoided due to safety concerns reported in labeling.

For veterinary uses, a prescriber may choose comparable agents depending on species and procedure. For context on sedation topics, see our category pages for Procedural Sedation and Pet Medications.

Dosage and Usage

Administration is intravenous by trained personnel in equipped facilities. Induction is typically achieved with incremental doses based on clinical response, followed by maintenance infusion or intermittent dosing as needed. For MAC, smaller titrated doses are given with continuous monitoring. For ICU sedation, infusions are titrated to target sedation goals while monitoring hemodynamics and ventilation.

Use strict aseptic technique. Shake vials gently before drawing into sterile syringes or infusion systems. Dedicated lines or filters may be used per institutional policy. Avoid prolonged open-system exposure because the emulsion can support microbial growth. Tubing and any unused portions are discarded according to the label’s time limits.

Package sizes such as propofol 50ml and larger vials may be selected for operating room or ICU workflows. Clinicians adjust infusion rates according to patient response, concomitant medications, and procedure requirements.

Strengths and Forms

This medicine is supplied as a white oil-in-water emulsion for injection. The commonly published strength is 10 mg/mL. Single-use and multi-dose presentations are available depending on manufacturer. Typical vial sizes include 20 mL, 50 mL, and 100 mL. Some facilities may use prefilled syringes when available.

Search terms like propofol 10mg or “propofol tablets” appear online, but the product is not supplied as tablets or oral forms. Availability of specific vial volumes can vary by manufacturer and stock status.

Missed Dose and Timing

This product is administered by healthcare professionals during procedures or in the ICU. There is no home dosing schedule. If a planned procedure is delayed or canceled, timing and need for anesthesia are reassessed by the clinical team. For extended sedation, teams regularly reevaluate sedation depth and the ongoing need for continuous infusion.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store unopened vials at controlled room temperature as indicated on the label. Do not freeze. Protect from excessive heat, and keep in original cartons to minimize light exposure. Once a vial is opened or a syringe is prepared, follow labeled time limits for use and discard. Because the emulsion can support bacterial growth, meticulous aseptic technique is essential.

When transporting between clinical sites, secure vials upright in a clean container. Bring prescription documentation if you carry stock between facilities. Keep out of reach of children. For personal travel, this product is not self-administered; patients should not transport it unless explicitly instructed for a clinical setting.

Benefits

This anesthetic acts quickly, allowing smooth induction and rapid adjustment of depth. Recovery can be prompt after short procedures. The emulsion is often associated with less postoperative nausea compared with some agents, though individual responses vary. Titration flexibility may benefit procedures that require frequent changes in anesthetic depth.

Side Effects and Safety

• Injection-site pain or burning
• Low blood pressure and reduced cardiac output
• Respiratory depression or apnea
• Dizziness or sedation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Elevated triglycerides with prolonged infusions

Serious risks include profound hypotension, airway obstruction, anaphylaxis, and rare propofol infusion syndrome characterized by metabolic acidosis, cardiac failure, rhabdomyolysis, and renal failure. Contamination can lead to severe infection. Use only where airway management and resuscitation are immediately available. Pediatric ICU sedation risk is higher and generally not recommended per labeling.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Concomitant central nervous system depressants can intensify sedation and respiratory depression. These include opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, certain antihistamines, and alcohol. Antihypertensives and anesthetic adjuvants may augment hypotension. Patients with disorders of fat metabolism or pancreatitis risk require caution with lipid load during prolonged infusions. Monitor triglycerides and acid-base status during extended ICU use.

Allergy to egg or soy components requires evaluation before use. The emulsion contains disodium edetate or sodium metabisulfite in some formulations; sulfite sensitivity should be considered.

What to Expect Over Time

Onset is rapid after IV administration, with hypnosis achieved quickly and maintained while dosing continues. After short procedures, patients typically awaken within a short period once dosing is reduced or stopped, subject to other co-administered agents. For longer cases or ICU sedation, recovery can take longer due to drug redistribution and accumulation.

During extended use, clinicians often monitor hemodynamics, ventilation, triglycerides, acid-base status, and signs of infection. Consistent protocols for line changes and tubing replacement reduce contamination risk. Clear communication with the care team supports smooth transitions between procedure, recovery, and floor or ICU care.

Compare With Alternatives

Volatile inhalation agents are common for maintenance of anesthesia. For example, Isoflurane is used via vaporizers in operating rooms with anesthesia machines. Alpha-2 agonists are used for procedural sedation in some settings; veterinary teams may consider Dexmedesed for species-appropriate indications. Selection depends on procedure type, patient factors, monitoring, and clinician preference.

Pricing and Access

For hospitals, clinics, and prescribers, procurement typically follows formulary and purchasing policies. If ordering through our platform, a valid prescription is required. Many buyers compare propofol price across vial sizes and manufacturers to manage budgets. We provide transparent listings and a secure, encrypted checkout experience.

US delivery from Canada helps some facilities access Canadian pricing when appropriate. If browsing for propofol online, review clinical requirements and ensure the product matches your intended use and packaging. For occasional coupon opportunities, see our Promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock may vary by manufacturer and vial size. Equivalent generic presentations can be substituted if permitted by your prescriber and institutional policy. References to baxter propofol, Hospira, Fresenius Kabi, or Pfizer generally indicate manufacturer branding of the same active drug. If a selected item is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative or vial size.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This product is inappropriate for anyone with known hypersensitivity to propofol or emulsion components such as egg lecithin or soybean oil. It is not propofol over the counter; use is restricted to monitored clinical environments. Patients with unstable hemodynamics, severe cardiac disease, or increased intracranial pressure require individualized assessment by anesthesia professionals.

To manage costs, consider ordering multi-vial quantities appropriate to your usage patterns. Align deliveries with surgery schedules to reduce waste from opened vials. Set refill reminders based on case volume, and standardize vial sizes across procedure types when feasible.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Indication and setting: Why this agent for my procedure?
• Monitoring: What devices and staff will monitor breathing and circulation?
• Alternatives: Are inhaled agents or other sedatives appropriate?
• Recovery: How long until typical discharge readiness after short cases?
• Risks: What are important risks given my health conditions and medicines?
• Access: Which vial size best fits our clinical workflow?

Authoritative Sources

For full prescribing details, consult the FDA label on DailyMed; this resource provides official indications, dosing guidance, and safety data: DailyMed Propofol Injection Prescribing Information.

The Health Canada Drug Product Database lists product information for Canadian-marketed presentations, including manufacturers and status: Health Canada Propofol Drug Product Entry.

For background on the reference product, the manufacturer provides clinical and handling information aligned to the branded label: Diprivan (Propofol) US Prescribing Information.

Order from CanadianInsulin with prompt, express shipping and temperature-controlled handling when required. Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.