Pharmacology of propofol

Propofol is a new intravenous anaesthetic agent chemically unrelated to barbiturate, steroid, imidazole, or eugenol agents. It is available as 1% solution in an aqueous solution of 10% soya bean oil, 2.25% glycerol and 1.2% purified egg phosphatide. The desirable features of the drug are rapid, clear emergence from anaesthesia, lack of cumulation, lack of effect on adrenal steroidogenesis, and has no adverse effect on liver and renal function. In emulsion form, it does not release histamine, nor has it been associated with anaphylactoid reactions. Although, it causes pain on injection, it infrequently results in phlebitis or thrombosis. It causes hypotension and respiratory depression during induction. The induction dose in healthy adults is 2-2.5 mg/kg. Older or debilitated individuals require less propofol for induction.