Propofol

What is this medication for?

• Induction of general anesthesia; maintenance ≤20 min (labeled, dogs); refractory status epilepticus

How is it given?

This medication is normally given by your veterinary team (in clinic or hospital).

• Provides essentially no analgesia — always pair with a separate analgesic plan.
• Never use alone in horses — pair with other sedatives (e.g., guaifenesin) to prevent excitement/myotonus on recovery.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• Hypotension (vasodilation) (Common)
• Paddling/tremors/myoclonus during induction (3–7% incidence)
• Heinz body formation, slowed recovery, loss of appetite, low energy/tiredness, diarrhea (With repeated once-daily or prolonged use)
• Excitement, myotonus during recovery (If used alone without other sedatives)

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Any new symptom that worries you.

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Apnea, respiratory depression (Common, dose/rate-related)

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Hypersensitivity; hypotensive patients
• has or has had: Shock/severe stress/trauma (more sensitive to CV/resp depression); hypoproteinemia (high protein binding); history of hyperlipidemia, seizures, anaphylaxis; cats with pre-existing liver disease (longer recovery)

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • Inhalant anesthetics (halothane, isoflurane)
  • Anticholinergics
  • Medetomidine
  • Metoclopramide
  • Midazolam
  • Chloramphenicol

Storage and handling

4–25°C, do not freeze, protect from light, shake well before use. Original preservative-free ampule: discard within 6h of opening. Newer formulations (PropoFlo 28/Plus) have preservatives — 28-day shelf life after opening.

Good to know

• Provides essentially no analgesia — always pair with a separate analgesic plan.
• Repeated consecutive-day use is a known problem specifically in cats (Heinz body low red blood cell counts, cumulative malaise) — appears safe for repeated use in dogs.
• Good bacterial growth medium (no preservative in original formulation) — treat as single-use unless using a preserved formulation (PropoFlo 28/Plus).
• Never use alone in horses — pair with other sedatives (e.g., guaifenesin) to prevent excitement/myotonus on recovery.