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Propofol / Remifentanil
Propofol is a GABA-A receptor agonist that induces sedation/anesthesia, while remifentanil is a mu-opioid receptor agonist that provides analgesia and enhances sedation.
Propofol is a GABA-A receptor agonist that induces sedation/anesthesia, while remifentanil is a mu-opioid receptor agonist that provides analgesia and enhances sedation. Used for Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia, Sedation in mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care.
At a glance
| Generic name | Propofol / Remifentanil |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University General Hospital of Patras |
| Drug class | Sedative-hypnotic (propofol) and opioid analgesic (remifentanil) |
| Target | GABA-A receptor (propofol); mu-opioid receptor (remifentanil) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Propofol enhances inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system, producing rapid onset sedation and hypnosis. Remifentanil binds to mu-opioid receptors to provide potent analgesia and synergistic sedative effects. Together, this combination is used for total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), where the opioid reduces the propofol dose requirement while improving pain control.
Approved indications
- Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia
- Sedation in mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care
Common side effects
- Hypotension
- Respiratory depression
- Bradycardia
- Injection site pain (propofol)
- Muscle rigidity (remifentanil)
- Nausea and vomiting (postoperative)
Key clinical trials
- The Relationship Between Opioid-Free Anesthesia and Postoperative Agitation-Delirium and Quality of Recovery in Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Cases Monitored With Perioperative Bispectral Index
- Hemodynamic Effects of Remimazolam vs Propofol During Robot-assisted Gynecologic Surgery (NA)
- Effects of Different Drugs for Glottic Atomization on Postoperative Sore Throat After Thyroid Surgery (PHASE4)
- Comparison of Target-Controlled and Manual Total Intravenous Anesthesia in Supratentorial Surgery (NA)
- Awareness Neuraxial Versus General Anesthesia in Frail Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic or Robotic Abdominopelvic Surgery. (NA)
- Anesthesia Maintenance With Target-controlled Infusion of Propofol and Remifentanil at Fixed Ratio (PHASE4)
- Equivalent MAC in General Anesthesia
- Comparison of Anesthetic Techniques for Early Recovery After Ankle Arthroscopy (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 |
|---|---|
| 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:
- Propofol / Remifentanil CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Propofol / Remifentanil updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University General Hospital of Patras portfolio CI