Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

propofol, sevoflurane

Propofol and sevoflurane are general anesthetics that enhance inhibitory GABA signaling and suppress excitatory glutamate signaling in the central nervous system to induce unconsciousness.

Propofol and sevoflurane are general anesthetics that enhance inhibitory GABA signaling and suppress excitatory glutamate signaling in the central nervous system to induce unconsciousness. Used for Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia for surgical procedures, Sedation in intensive care units.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic that potentiates GABA-A receptors, increasing chloride influx and neuronal hyperpolarization. Sevoflurane is a volatile inhaled anesthetic with similar GABA-enhancing properties and additional effects on other ion channels. Together, these agents produce rapid onset of general anesthesia suitable for induction and maintenance during surgical procedures.

Approved indications

• Induction and maintenance of general anesthesia for surgical procedures
• Sedation in intensive care units

Common side effects

• Hypotension
• Respiratory depression
• Bradycardia
• Injection site pain (propofol)
• Postoperative nausea and vomiting
• Emergence delirium (sevoflurane)

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
• Propofol Versus Sevoflurane Anesthesia on the Intraocular Pressure and Hemodynamics in Patient Undergoing Cyclophotocoagulation (NA)
• Deep Versus Moderate Neuromuscular Blocking (NA)
• Prospective Randomized Observer Blinded Single Center Study Comparing 90-day Functional Outcome in Patients Who Received Intravenous Propofol Infusion Versus Inhalational Sevoflurane for General Anesthesia During Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients Who Suffered From Acute Ischemic Stroke (NA)
• The Effect of Intravenous Versus Volatile Anesthesia on Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients (NA)
• Equivalent MAC in General Anesthesia
• Comparison of Anesthetic Techniques for Early Recovery After Ankle Arthroscopy (NA)
• Comparison of Gastric Insufflation Volume Between LarySeal Pro and Ambu AuraGain Using Ultrasonography In Pediatric Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia With Controlled Ventilation. (NA)

Primary sources

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