Propofol (Diprivan®) Injection

Propofol is a short-acting intravenous anesthetic used by trained professionals to induce and maintain general anesthesia or procedural sedation. Its rapid onset and smooth recovery make it a first-line choice across operating rooms, endoscopy suites, and veterinary practices. With US delivery from Canada, clinics can access Propofol at Canadian pricing, and cash-pay ordering can help when purchasing without insurance.

What Propofol Is and How It Works

Propofol is an IV hypnotic agent that enhances inhibitory signaling at GABA-A receptors, producing dose-dependent sedation and loss of consciousness. It does not provide analgesia, so clinicians often pair it with opioids or regional techniques when pain control is needed. The medicine is supplied as a white oil-in-water emulsion that contains lipid components, which is why aseptic technique and timely discard after opening are essential. Often recognized by the brand name Diprivan®, Propofol enables rapid induction and predictable recovery that fit both short procedures and longer anesthetics when carefully titrated by experienced teams.

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In practice, clinicians titrate small IV boluses or continuous infusions to the desired depth of anesthesia or sedation. Airway support and cardiovascular monitoring are required. Because Propofol wears off quickly once the infusion stops, teams can adjust depth promptly, which helps during brief procedures and during emergence from anesthesia.

Who Propofol Is For

Propofol is indicated for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in adults and in pediatric patients where approved, and for monitored anesthesia care or procedural sedation in appropriate settings. It is also widely used in veterinary medicine under professional supervision. It is not for intrathecal or epidural administration, and it is not intended for at-home use.

Use may be avoided or adjusted in people with known hypersensitivity to Propofol or its components. Some formulations contain soybean oil and egg lecithin, and certain generics include sulfites; label language recommends caution or avoidance in patients with related hypersensitivities. Propofol is not recommended for obstetric anesthesia or for ICU sedation in pediatric patients due to safety concerns. Elderly, hypovolemic, debilitated, or cardiac-compromised patients often require lower dosing and closer monitoring. For those exploring veterinary options, browse our Pet Medications.

Dosage and Usage

Propofol is administered intravenously by anesthesia-trained professionals in a fully monitored setting. Typical use involves small incremental boluses for induction, followed by either intermittent boluses or a continuous infusion for maintenance. For procedural sedation, clinicians titrate small doses to achieve comfort while maintaining protective reflexes as appropriate. Oxygen, airway equipment, and resuscitation support must be immediately available.

Strict aseptic technique is critical from preparation through infusion. Because the emulsion can support microbial growth, opened vials, spiked containers, and prepared syringes must be used within the time specified on the product label, then discarded. Propofol is for single patient use. Infusion sets, syringes, and any unused portions are disposed of safely according to facility protocols.

Veterinary teams apply similar principles in dogs and cats, using IV titration to effect for induction and short procedures. Local regulations and species-specific guidelines determine exact use, and monitoring standards mirror those in human anesthesia.

Strengths and Forms

Common presentations include Propofol injectable emulsion 10 mg/mL in preservative-free, single-patient-use vials and prefilled syringes. Container sizes vary by manufacturer, for example smaller single-dose vials and larger volumes suitable for maintenance infusions in controlled settings. Some brands contain EDTA; certain generics may include sulfites. Availability of specific presentations can vary by supplier and region.

Always review the package insert for the exact formulation, excipients, and in-use stability guidance of the product dispensed.

Missed Dose and Timing

Propofol is not taken on a schedule at home. It is administered by a clinician during a procedure or in a critical care setting when indicated. There is no traditional “missed dose.” If a procedure is delayed or interrupted, dosing and timing are managed by the clinical team based on the patient’s condition, monitoring, and procedural needs.

Storage and Travel Basics

Before opening, store Propofol according to the label in a controlled room-temperature range and protect from freezing. Do not use the medication if the emulsion has separated or shows discoloration. Once opened or spiked, use promptly and discard any remaining product within the labeled in-use window, which is typically limited to hours rather than days.

If your clinic receives stock, store it as soon as possible per the package insert. For transport between clinical sites, keep vials upright, protect from light, and avoid extremes of temperature. Temperature-sensitive items ship with cold-chain handling and insulated packaging.

Benefits

Propofol is widely chosen for its pharmacologic profile and patient experience benefits when managed by trained teams:

• Rapid onset enables quick, smooth induction of anesthesia.
• Short duration allows predictable recovery after stopping the infusion.
• Anti-emetic properties reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting for many patients.
• Low incidence of delirium compared with some alternatives.
• Compatible with balanced anesthesia techniques and regional blocks.
• Titratable depth supports both brief procedures and longer cases.

These advantages depend on proper monitoring, supportive care, and attention to airway and circulation throughout the anesthetic.

Side Effects and Safety

• Hypotension, especially with rapid boluses or in volume-depleted patients.
• Respiratory depression or apnea at induction or with deeper sedation.
• Bradycardia or other rhythm changes.
• Pain or burning at the injection site.
• Rash or hypersensitivity reactions.
• Elevated triglycerides with prolonged infusions due to lipid load.
• Rare discolored urine or green-hued stools during infusions.

Serious but uncommon risks include anaphylaxis and propofol infusion syndrome, a rare condition linked to prolonged high-dose infusions that may feature metabolic acidosis, muscle breakdown, cardiac failure, and renal impairment. Laboratory monitoring, using the lowest effective dose, and avoiding prolonged high-rate infusions lower risk. Propofol does not provide analgesia; anesthetic plans often include local anesthetics or nonsteroidal options. For veterinary nausea control when needed, clinicians may consider agents such as Cerenia Injection.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Other CNS depressants such as opioids, benzodiazepines, inhaled anesthetics, and certain sedatives can potentiate the effects of Propofol. Alcohol also adds to sedation. Agents that reduce vascular tone or heart rate can increase the likelihood of hypotension or bradycardia during induction. Valproate and some enzyme inhibitors may reduce Propofol requirements; clinicians adjust doses based on response and monitoring.

Patients with disorders of fat metabolism or pancreatitis risk may need additional consideration during prolonged infusions given the lipid content. Use caution in severe cardiac, respiratory, or hemodynamic compromise. Propofol is not recommended for obstetric anesthesia, and pediatric ICU sedation carries significant safety warnings on the label. Follow facility protocols for aseptic handling and discard policies to prevent contamination.

What to Expect Over Time

At induction, loss of consciousness occurs quickly with appropriate IV dosing. During maintenance, clinicians titrate the infusion to surgical or procedural needs while supporting airway and circulation. Emergence is usually prompt once the infusion stops, which helps reduce grogginess. For veterinary patients, many clinics combine Propofol induction with an inhaled agent for maintenance and add analgesics such as Metacam Solution, Rimadyl Injectable, or Onsior Solution to support perioperative comfort.

Compare With Alternatives

Choice of anesthetic depends on procedure, patient status, and clinician preference. Inhalational maintenance with agents like Isoflurane is commonly paired with Propofol induction. For procedural sedation or premedication, some teams use alpha-2 agonists such as Dexdomitor Vial, or phenothiazines such as Atravet in veterinary settings. The best option is individualized by the treating professional.

Pricing and Access

CanadianInsulin connects clinics and patients to Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada. Ordering Propofol requires a valid prescription and is intended for administration by qualified professionals in controlled settings. If your clinic seeks budget relief, generic presentations can offer meaningful savings compared to typical US cash prices. You can request a quote and place an order online with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping.

Looking to save more on future purchases and related items? See current offers on our promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

Specific container sizes, preservatives, and manufacturers can vary over time. If a particular presentation is unavailable, the prescriber may recommend an appropriate alternative that fits the clinical plan. Pharmacists may also dispense an equivalent generic in line with the written prescription and local regulations.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Propofol is suitable only when monitoring and resuscitation support are immediately available. It may not be appropriate for patients with known hypersensitivity to components, certain severe cardiac or hemodynamic instabilities, or for obstetric use. Pediatric ICU sedation carries label limitations. For veterinary patients, species-specific guidance and local rules apply.

Cost-saving strategies may include choosing generic over brand where appropriate, consolidating orders to reduce per-shipment fees, and planning multi-vial quantities based on scheduled cases. You can set refill reminders in your account so your clinic maintains adequate stock without overordering. Always align quantities with labeled in-use limits to minimize waste.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is Propofol the best induction or sedation option for this procedure and patient?
• What adjuncts will manage pain, and how will airway support be handled?
• What monitoring will be used during anesthesia and recovery?
• Are there factors that increase risk of hypotension or apnea in this case?
• How will dosing be adjusted for age, frailty, or comorbidities?
• What are the plan and safeguards to prevent contamination during infusion?
• How will the team reduce the risk of propofol infusion syndrome with prolonged use?
• Which alternative agents are reasonable if Propofol is not available?

Authoritative Sources

FDA Diprivan Prescribing InformationEMA Propofol Assessment

Ready to request Propofol through CanadianInsulin for your clinic? Place an order online with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping and clinic-verified prescriptions.

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes. Propofol must be used only by qualified professionals with appropriate monitoring. Always follow the prescribing clinician’s directions and the product label.