Propofol
Also known as: Rapinovet, PropoFlo, Diprivan, PropoClear, Fresenius Propoven, Norofol, Procare, PropoFlo Plus, PropoFol, Propofol-Lipuro Vet
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.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
Veterinary professional? See the full dosing-by-species reference on VetSheet →
What it is used for
- Induction of general anesthesia (no premedication)
- Induction of general anesthesia (with premedication)
- Maintenance of general anesthesia (no premedication)
- Single injection induction (with acepromazine +/- butorphanol)
- Induction of anaesthesia (unpremedicated)
- Induction of anaesthesia (premedicated)
- Maintenance of anaesthesia
- Anesthesia (Rabbits)
- Anesthesia (Mice)
- Anesthesia (Rats)
- Anesthesia (Iguanas, Tortoises)
- Anesthesia (Snakes)
- Induction of general anesthesia (no premedication)
- Induction of general anesthesia (with phenothiazine + opioid premed)
- Induction of general anesthesia (with alpha2 agonist premed)
- Maintenance of general anesthesia (intermittent injections, no premed)
- Sedation only (CRI)
- Minor surgery (CRI)
- Refractory status epilepticus
- Refractory status epilepticus (persistent after diazepam/phenobarbital)
- Induction of anaesthesia (unpremedicated)
- Induction of anaesthesia (premedicated)
- Sedation or maintenance of anaesthesia
How it is given
Possible side 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)
- Cyanosis
- Bradycardia
- Severe hypotension
- Muscle rigidity and tremors (dogs)
- Paradoxical muscle movements (dogs)
- Heinz body anaemia (cats, with repeated daily use)
- Pain on IV injection
Cautions & 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)
- **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
- Inhalation Anesthetics (halothane, isoflurane): Propofol serum concentrations may be increased; propofol induction may require higher initial inhalant concentrations due to rapid recovery.
- Local Anesthetics: Propofol dosage requirements for sedation or hypnosis may be reduced.
- Anticholinergics: Propofol-induced bradycardia may be exacerbated, particularly when opiate premedicants are used.
- Chloramphenicol: May decrease clearance of propofol and increase recovery times.
- Clonidine: When used as a premed, may reduce propofol dosage requirements.
- CNS Depressants (acepromazine, diazepam, etc.): Increased sedative, anesthetic, and cardiorespiratory depression possible; propofol dose should generally be reduced by ~25%.
- Hepatic P-450 Inhibitors (cimetidine, ketoconazole): May potentially increase recovery times associated with propofol (especially significant in cats).
- Fentanyl: Increased risk for bradycardia.
- Medetomidine: Hypoxemia may occur when propofol is used after medetomidine; dosage adjustments and adequate monitoring required.
- Metoclopramide: May reduce the propofol dose required for induction by 20-25%.
- Midazolam: Synergistic effects; midazolam plasma concentrations may be increased up to 20%.
- Opiates: May increase the serum concentrations of both the opiate and propofol if used together; markedly reduces propofol induction requirements.
- Opioids: Synergistic CNS depression; significantly reduces the dose of propofol required for induction and maintenance
- Sedatives (e.g., alpha-2 agonists, benzodiazepines): Synergistic CNS depression; reduces propofol dose requirements
Frequently asked questions
What is Propofol used for in pets?
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.
Is Propofol safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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