Propofol: A New IV Anesthetic and Sedation Agent

Abstract

A review of the pharmacology, physiology, and clinical uses of propofol, a new intravenous anesthetic agent, is presented. Propofol, a sterically hindered phenol solubilized in a soybean emulsion, is unlike any other anesthetic or sedation agent used to date. Its rapid metabolism and clearance allow a quick and clearheaded recovery, suggesting that propofol would be ideal for outpatient sedation and anesthesia and as a total intravenous anesthetic agent. Postoperative side effects are decreased with its use. As with many other induction agents, propofol can cause a drop in arterial blood pressure and cardiac output, and therefore should be used with care in patients with coronary artery disease.