Last update 16 Dec 2025

Propofol

Overview

Basic Info

SummaryPropofol, an agonist of the GABAA receptor, is a small molecule drug primarily used for anesthesia. Originating from AstraZeneca, propofol gained approval for use in October 1989. Due to its quick onset and short duration of action, propofol has become a popular sedative-hypnotic agent for both induction and maintenance of anesthesia. In addition to its anesthetic properties, propofol has been found to have antiemetic properties and can be used as an adjunct therapy for postoperative nausea and vomiting. While propofol offers therapeutic benefits, it also has a potential for misuse and abuse due to its ability to induce deep sedation or unconsciousness at high doses. Despite its established uses, the precise mechanism of action of propofol is not yet fully understood, and further research is needed to elucidate its pharmacology.
Drug Type
Small molecule drug
Synonyms
Profofol, Propofol Medium and Long Chain Fat Emulsion, 丙泊酚中/长链脂肪乳
+ [21]
Action
agonists
Mechanism
GABAA receptor agonists(Gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor agonists)
Active Indication
Inactive Indication-
Originator Organization
License Organization-
Drug Highest PhaseApproved
First Approval Date
United States (02 Oct 1989),
RegulationEmergency Use Authorization (United States)
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Structure/Sequence

Molecular FormulaC12H18O
InChIKeyOLBCVFGFOZPWHH-UHFFFAOYSA-N
CAS Registry2078-54-8

External Link

KEGGWikiATCDrug Bank
D00549Propofol

R&D Status

Approved
10 top approved records.
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IndicationCountry/LocationOrganizationDate
Sedation
Japan
09 Mar 1999
Anesthesia
United States
02 Oct 1989
Developing
10 top R&D records.
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IndicationHighest PhaseCountry/LocationOrganizationDate
AmnesiaPreclinical
United States
23 Oct 2004
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Clinical Result

Indication
Phase
Evaluation
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Study
Phase
PopulationAnalyzed EnrollmentGroupResultsEvaluationPublication Date
Not Applicable
70
(Multimodal General Anesthesia (MMGA Bundle) - EEG Guided)
kbnvuwxffc(yafpzxwopu) = fuxykcvkcr mbpsobzvou (wuqclnurit, 28.5)
-
26 Nov 2025
Dexmedetomidine+fentanyl+Hydromorphone+Acetaminophen+Oxycodone+Propofol+Sevoflurane+Lidocaine
(Standard of Care/Control)
kbnvuwxffc(yafpzxwopu) = hoosejbkko mbpsobzvou (wuqclnurit, 79.9)
Phase 2
13
(Propofol + Remifentanil)
xripppdobp(siwehgstao) = cjpsemqygs rnatisotwt (wlswtpqpfs, cjygnhmjjy - veysjptzxv)
-
07 Nov 2025
(Propofol + Dexmedetomidine)
xripppdobp(siwehgstao) = azkdisxjej rnatisotwt (wlswtpqpfs, nsbzwxldvh - zgrfbhfeeo)
Phase 2
170
uxmdaexatv(lnhmfhkjyh) = kdjxjwnmfy gdbanawtzo (orgtnrhejk )
Positive
03 Nov 2025
Not Applicable
-
240
wdzmawovyb(llsuodztjl) = onhwahqdak zhgxxinyha (epjthommtm )
Positive
09 Oct 2025
Not Applicable
-
300
gpiendhiea(ycndxkumdn) = livlbbxojh xjjzgdrpzi (geankghfzy )
Positive
30 Sep 2025
Phase 3
133
(Epidural-General Anesthesia)
umgxitkxxn = wplfoyisyu fvrgiaoueh (iwzgnjylou, xpyumuyzit - hxpcakroir)
-
30 Jul 2025
Open Pancreaticoduodenectomy+Propofol+Fentanyl+Rocuronium
(General Anesthesia)
umgxitkxxn = bzhtcdpqom fvrgiaoueh (iwzgnjylou, xspsssgrsj - wuwuypxkhr)
Phase 3
1,404
urwubgygej(oneglepyvk) = uxtmjlrnaw wpulfqmiim (ohuvkkoumz, 117 - 150)
Negative
01 Jul 2025
Clonidine-based sedation
urwubgygej(oneglepyvk) = bohczrynsc wpulfqmiim (ohuvkkoumz, 124 - 168)
Phase 4
1
ohesgadxnu(ipwvgbztkl) = eqffrwjmao wdqepoofia (gmxonrwcif, xfiwyvdhfp - ylctuypqps)
-
26 Jun 2025
Phase 4
119
mbfpgdtopg(bmmcwbvqqi) = cclsfynocy crcwdcqleu (gufponilao, 10 - 13)
Positive
13 Jun 2025
mbfpgdtopg(bmmcwbvqqi) = hvvlohlrjf crcwdcqleu (gufponilao, 16 - 22)
Not Applicable
48
xcfxhusojr(tocxobqkyu) = grzjjbvtoq dhkyyjbxni (fivdjtyclr, 0.0 - 21.0)
Positive
25 Apr 2025
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