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Propofol

Prescription
Short-acting IV anaesthetic (alkylphenol)
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
3 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Potentiates GABA-A receptor activity, producing rapid-onset, short-duration general anaesthesia with smooth induction and recovery

At a glance

Class
Short-acting IV anaesthetic (alkylphenol)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, do not freeze. Once opened: use within 6 hours (no preservative) or 12 hours (with preservative). Shake before use.

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Induction of general anaesthesia
Dose
2–6 mg/kg
Route
IV (slow bolus to effect)
Frequency
Single induction dose
Max dose
200 mg
Duration: Administer slowly IV over 60-90 seconds to effect; lower dose if premedicated
CRI for TIVA (total IV anaesthesia)
Dose
0.1–0.4 mg/kg/min
Route
IV CRI
Frequency
Continuous infusion
Max dose
0.4 mg/kg/min/dose; 576 mg/kg/min/day
Duration: Duration of procedure
🐈

Cat

Induction of general anaesthesia
Dose
2–8 mg/kg
Route
IV (slow bolus to effect)
Frequency
Single induction dose
Max dose
60 mg
Duration: Slow IV to effect; cats may need higher doses than dogs

Formulations

💉

Injectable emulsion — 2

Strength
10mg/mL
Available in India
Strength
20mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, do not freeze. Once opened: use within 6 hours (no preservative) or 12 hours (with preservative). Shake before use.

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known egg/soy lecithin allergy
    Propofol emulsion contains egg lecithin and soybean oil
  • No IV access
    Must be administered IV — not for IM/SC use

Use with caution

  • Cats — repeated dosing or CRI
    Cats have prolonged recovery with repeated dosing due to poor glucuronidation; use single induction dose or switch to different maintenance agent
  • Severe cardiovascular compromise
    Causes dose-dependent hypotension and respiratory depression; reduce dose in compromised patients

Adverse effects

Common
Apnoea (transient)
Hypotension
Bradycardia
Pain on injection
Serious
Respiratory arrest
Severe hypotension
Heinz body anaemia in cats (repeated doses)
Malignant hyperthermia (rare)

Monitoring parameters

SpO2Blood pressureHeart rateRespiratory rateDepth of anaesthesiaTemperature

Interactions

Moderate — 3

Acepromazine
moderate
Additive CNS depression and hypotension; phenothiazine potentiates propofol effects
Management: Reduce propofol induction dose by 25-50% if acepromazine premedication used.
Fentanyl
moderate
Fentanyl premedication reduces propofol induction dose by 30-50%. Additive respiratory depression and apnea risk.
Management: Standard technique: reduce propofol dose when fentanyl premedicated. Titrate to effect. Have intubation and IPPV equipment ready.
Midazolam
moderate
Midazolam co-induction reduces propofol requirements by 20-40%. Additive respiratory depression.
Management: Common co-induction technique. Reduces total propofol dose and provides smoother induction. Have airway management ready.

Brands

International

Diprivan
AstraZeneca
Propofol Lipuro
B. Braun

India

Neorof
Neon Labs
Fresofol
Fresenius Kabi

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Propofol?
Propofol is a short-acting iv anaesthetic (alkylphenol) used in pets. Potentiates GABA-A receptor activity, producing rapid-onset, short-duration general anaesthesia with smooth induction and recovery
›What is Propofol used for in pets?
Propofol is used in veterinary medicine for: Induction of general anaesthesia; CRI for TIVA (total IV anaesthesia).
›What is the Propofol dose for dogs?
For dogs, Propofol is typically dosed as follows — Induction of general anaesthesia: 2–6 mg/kg IV (slow bolus to effect) Single induction dose; CRI for TIVA (total IV anaesthesia): 0.1–0.4 mg/kg/min IV CRI Continuous infusion. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Propofol dose for cats?
For cats, Propofol is typically dosed as follows — Induction of general anaesthesia: 2–8 mg/kg IV (slow bolus to effect) Single induction dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Propofol?
Common: Apnoea (transient), Hypotension, Bradycardia, Pain on injection. Serious (call your vet immediately): Respiratory arrest, Severe hypotension, Heinz body anaemia in cats (repeated doses), Malignant hyperthermia (rare).
›Does Propofol need a prescription?
Yes. Propofol is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Propofol not be used?
Do not use Propofol if: Known egg/soy lecithin allergy; No IV access.

References

CDSCO approvals (India) — 1

Propofol clear soln for i.v inj
M/s Themis Medicare · Approved 10.01.2003
For induction in veterinary practise only
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →