Registered Malawi · PMRA

PROPOFOL 1%W/V (10MG/ML) INJECTABLE EMULSION

PROPOFOL

PMPB/PL548/1 INJECTABLE EMULSION INN generic

What it does

Propofol is a medicine used to help with sedation during medical procedures.

Commonly used for: sedation during surgery, sedation for intensive care

Read more in plain English ↓

Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.

Ask about this medicine

Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.

Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.

Sourcing - Kenya only

Registration & product details

Registration no.
PMPB/PL548/1
Registration date
03/05/2023
Expiry date
31/03/2024
Status
Registered
Active ingredient
PROPOFOL
Dosage form
INJECTABLE EMULSION
Strength
-
Pack size
-
Therapeutic class
-
Manufacturer / MAH
-
Applicant / LTR
-
Country of origin
-

Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:46 · updated 2026-09-15 04:32:43

Drug Interactions

2
Check interactions

Pharmacodynamic Warnings

Propofol appears in TABLE 6: Drugs that cause bradycardia

Propofol appears in TABLE 8: Drugs that cause hypotension

Propofol appears in TABLE 11: Drugs with CNS depressant effects

Moderate (1)

Propofol - increases concentration

Valproatepotentiallyincreasestheconcentrationofpropofol. Adjustdose.rTheoretical https://www.facebook.c (Books-Courses-Medic

Moderate Theoretical

Unknown (1)

The Active Component Of Sacituzumab Govitecan - increases exposure

Propofol is predicted to increase the exposure to the active component of sacituzumab govitecan. Theoretical Propranolol → see beta blockers, non-selective Propylthiouracil

Unknown Theoretical

Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: exact

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (Malawi). Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication.

About this medicine

Propofol is a medicine used to help with sedation during medical procedures.

What it treats

  • sedation during surgery
  • sedation for intensive care

How it works

Propofol works by slowing down brain activity, helping you relax and feel less aware of what is happening.

Who it's for

Propofol is for adults and children who need sedation for medical procedures.

Cautions

  • • Be careful if you are taking drugs that slow your heart rate.
  • • Use caution if you are on medications that lower blood pressure.
  • • Avoid using with other drugs that can make you feel sleepy or less alert.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

Clinical monograph: Propofol

BNF-referenced

Propofol is a short-acting intravenous anesthetic agent primarily used for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia or sedation. It is characterized by its rapid onset and short duration of action, making it suitable for outpatient procedures and quick recovery times. Propofol is known for its smooth induction and is often preferred for its favorable pharmacokinetic profile.

Indications

  • Induction of general anesthesia
  • Maintenance of general anesthesia
  • Sedation for procedures

Dosage

Children: For children aged 1 month to 16 years, the usual dose for induction of anesthesia is 2.5–4 mg/kg, adjusted according to age, body weight, and response.

Adults: For induction of anesthesia, the usual adult dose is 1.5–2.5 mg/kg administered by slow intravenous injection. For maintenance, a continuous infusion of 4–12 mg/kg/hour may be used.

Mechanism of action

Propofol exerts its anesthetic effects by positively modulating the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at GABA-A receptors, leading to increased inhibitory neurotransmission and resulting in sedation and anesthesia.

Pharmacodynamics

As a sedative-hypnotic agent, propofol rapidly induces hypnosis with minimal excitation, typically within 40 seconds after intravenous administration. This rapid action is due to its high lipid solubility, allowing for quick distribution to the central nervous system. The drug also has a favorable recovery profile, with patients often regaining consciousness shortly after cessation of the infusion.

Pharmacokinetics

Propofol is highly lipophilic, leading to rapid distribution and a short half-life. It is primarily metabolized in the liver via conjugation and oxidation, and excreted in urine, mainly as metabolites. The drug has a volume of distribution of around 4 liters per kilogram, and its clearance is approximately 1.5 liters per minute, which results in a short duration of action.

Contra-indications

  • Hypersensitivity to propofol or any of its components
  • Severe respiratory depression
  • Acute porphyrias
  • Acute circulatory failure (shock)
  • Adrenal insufficiency

Adverse effects

  • Apnea
  • Hypotension
  • Nausea
  • Respiratory disorders
  • Skin reactions
  • Vascular pain
  • Vomiting
  • Arrhythmias
  • Cough
  • Hiccups
  • Hypertension
  • Muscle rigidity
  • Neuromuscular dysfunction
  • Nystagmus
  • Procedural complications

Interactions

  • Valproate may increase propofol concentration
  • Active component of sacituzumab govitecan may increase exposure to propofol

Precautions

  • Careful monitoring of fluids and electrolytes
  • Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease
  • Elderly patients may require dose adjustment
  • Avoid in patients with fixed cardiac output, hypovolaemia, or severe hypotension

Pregnancy

Propofol should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and after careful consideration of risks and benefits.

Breast-feeding

Propofol is excreted in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to breastfeeding women.

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light, and do not freeze.

Formulations

  • Emulsion for injection
  • 0.5% or 1% injection solution
BNF 85 (British National Formulary) p.1488 BNF for Children 2019-2020 p.854 PubChem / pathway

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Molecular reference: Propofol

PubChem CID 4943

Molecular formula: C12H18O

Mechanism of action

The action of propofol involves a positive modulation of the inhibitory function of the neurotransmitter gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA) through GABA-A receptors.

Pharmacodynamics

Propofol is a sedative-hypnotic agent for use in the induction and maintenance of anesthesia or sedation. Intravenous injection of a therapeutic dose of propofol produces hypnosis rapidly with minimal excitation, usually within 40 seconds from the start of an injection (the time for one arm-brain circulation).

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.

This drug in other countries

The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.

South Africa 1 product