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Diprivan (Propofol)
Propofol produces sedative/anesthetic effects by positive modulation of inhibitory GABA function through GABA A receptors.
Propofol is an intravenous general anesthetic and sedative indicated for induction and maintenance of anesthesia in patients ≥3 years and ≥2 months respectively, MAC sedation, and ICU sedation in adults. It acts through positive modulation of GABA A receptors with rapid onset due to quick plasma-brain equilibration and follows a three-compartment pharmacokinetic model with hepatic metabolism and renal excretion. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to propofol and history of anaphylaxis to eggs or soybeans; significant interactions exist with opioids, sedatives, and valproate requiring dose adjustments. Careful titration to clinical response and monitoring are essential, particularly during extended infusions to prevent accumulation and delayed recovery.
At a glance
| Generic name | Propofol |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Fresenius Kabi |
| Drug class | General anesthetic |
| Target | GABA A receptors |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neuroscience |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1989 |
Mechanism of action
Propofol's mechanism of action, like all general anesthetics, is poorly understood. However, propofol is thought to produce its sedative/anesthetic effects by the positive modulation of the inhibitory function of the neurotransmitter GABA through the ligand-gated GABA A receptors. This enhancement of GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission results in the characteristic anesthetic and sedative properties of the drug.
Approved indications
- General anesthesia
- Sedation as Adjunct to Anesthesia
- Sedation in Intubated Patients
Common side effects
- Hypotension
- Nausea
- Procedural Pain
- Procedural Hypotension
- Hypertension
- Hypoxia
- Asthenia
- Anaemia
- Vomitting
- Dizziness
- Liver injury
- Tachycardia
Drug interactions
- Opioids (morphine, meperidine, fentanyl)
- Sedatives (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, chloral hydrate, droperidol)
- Potent inhalational agents (isoflurane, sevoflurane, desflurane, enflurane, halothane)
- Valproate
- Nitrous oxide
Key clinical trials
- Safety and Efficacy of HSK3486 Compared to Propofol for Induction of General Anesthesia in Adults With Elective Surgery (PHASE3)
- Efficacy and Safety of HSK3486 Compared to Propofol for Adults Undergoing Elective Surgery With General Anesthesia (PHASE3)
- INSPiRE-ICU2 (PHASE3)
- INSPiRE-ICU1 (PHASE3)
- Efficacy and Safety of HSK3486 Compared to Propofol in Induction of General Anesthesia in Adults Having Elective Surgery (PHASE3)
- Propofol + Remifentanil vs. Propofol + Dexmedetomidine in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients Having Spine Surgery (PHASE2)
- PATHFINDERII (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Diprivan CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Diprivan updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Fresenius Kabi portfolio CI