Propofol

Propofol is a widely used intravenous medication for anesthesia and sedation, known for its rapid onset and short duration of action. It's commonly employed in medical settings due to these properties. Propofol is highly protein-bound, which affects its activity in the body. It undergoes hepatic metabolism through conjugation, leading to a clinical effect that diminishes quickly despite an elimination half-life ranging from 2 to 24 hours. The medication can cause respiratory depression, hypotension, and pain at injection sites. Rarely, it may lead to propofol infusion syndrome, a severe condition. Formulation components like soybean oil and egg phospholipids pose risks for those with specific allergies. Developed by John B. Glen over 13 years, propofol was first identified in 1973. Initial formulations using cremophor EL were problematic due to allergic reactions, prompting a reformulation into a soy oil emulsion. This version, named Diprivan, was launched in 1986 and contains 1% propofol, soybean oil, egg phospholipids, glycerol, and sodium hydroxide. Fospropofol, a water-soluble prodrug approved in 2008, reduces injection pain. Ciprofol, a more potent derivative with fewer side effects, is undergoing Phase III trials as of 2022. In 2024, PropofolVet Multidose was approved for veterinary use in dogs, offering a generic alternative to PropoFlo 28, which has been available since 2011. Propofol's significance is marked by its efficacy and the recognition of its developer with the Lasker Award. Ongoing research into derivatives like Ciprofol highlights its evolving role in both human and veterinary medicine.