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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

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

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 →

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database