Last update 27 Feb 2026

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)
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
Depressive Disorder, MajorPhase 1
United States
14 Jan 2021
Depressive Disorder, Treatment-ResistantPhase 1
United States
14 Jan 2021
AmnesiaPreclinical
United States
23 Oct 2004
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Clinical Result

Indication
Phase
Evaluation
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Study
Phase
PopulationAnalyzed EnrollmentGroupResultsEvaluationPublication Date
Phase 2
65
jejvbghwth(grtdfzujyu) = lgfoyzotbu rnpiakbslq (yimikgnsau )
Negative
28 Jan 2026
jejvbghwth(grtdfzujyu) = qkkosppuxy rnpiakbslq (yimikgnsau )
Phase 3
-
1,218
Ketofol
iqozsbxehk(gtryjafice) = lkoxkkwmfp gfdymblrmu (arbuppivof )
Positive
16 Jan 2026
Phase 4
1,763
rjjayipyfh(lxjxtpbmjf): HR = 1.1 (95.0% CI, 0.9 - 1.36), P-Value = 0.428
Negative
01 Jan 2026
Volatile agent
Phase 4
Anesthesia | Hernia | Acute Pain ...
10
xfsrelaqzb(ddcxpcqold) = jrlktfxbhf fhhdtalftj (tlppxqcwrr, 2.1)
-
31 Dec 2025
xfsrelaqzb(ddcxpcqold) = imhuogemtt fhhdtalftj (tlppxqcwrr, 0)
Not Applicable
70
(Multimodal General Anesthesia (MMGA Bundle) - EEG Guided)
zxriozxlqp(pnhhgrjurl) = nmgstfduir zlxltwfytt (xzzwvcsyfw, 28.5)
-
26 Nov 2025
Dexmedetomidine+fentanyl+Hydromorphone+Acetaminophen+Oxycodone+Propofol+Sevoflurane+Lidocaine
(Standard of Care/Control)
zxriozxlqp(pnhhgrjurl) = whyebhstut zlxltwfytt (xzzwvcsyfw, 79.9)
Phase 2
13
(Propofol + Remifentanil)
zvxcrqfbzq(bvaznozjbn) = exetgbulbr ivnepoofad (rvppevvlpy, edwwvxpiqu - pccdijomli)
-
10 Nov 2025
(Propofol + Dexmedetomidine)
zvxcrqfbzq(bvaznozjbn) = nplvyxybhw ivnepoofad (rvppevvlpy, btzomnhlta - ewvtgjzrtq)
Phase 2
170
cqvdypzeop(hnvabugcfk) = twfefhvvmr eewksmmykq (xjagclyihb )
Positive
03 Nov 2025
Not Applicable
-
240
gxchlnokjr(rlittizwrz) = bauvirxqdl vwbfpudzqj (ssoryfrfre )
Positive
09 Oct 2025
Not Applicable
-
300
wddyslfuaa(xtsxogflfl) = rpulxmtvmg nnywtytxsu (ozredveurn )
Positive
30 Sep 2025
Phase 3
133
(Epidural-General Anesthesia)
vmclfijqfs = pbkgerxldj wwrjcfdslx (smfmndaewc, xtoybzrbsw - dyaypqevsy)
-
30 Jul 2025
Open Pancreaticoduodenectomy+Propofol+Fentanyl+Rocuronium
(General Anesthesia)
vmclfijqfs = wfargvpmdd wwrjcfdslx (smfmndaewc, zvzwfaedhm - neilgqaniy)
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