Propofol is highly lipid soluble and insoluble in aqueous solution so is formulated as a 1% oil-in-water emulsion. Once a vial has been opened it should be refridgerated and then discarded after 24 hours. Administration of the agent is via an intravenous route and should be given slowly to effect (over 2 minutes usually), with onset of action between 60-90 seconds. Administration of premedications such as [[Alpha-2 Agonists|alpha-2 agonists]] or [[opioids|opioids]] can significantly reduce the amount of propofol required to anaesthetise a patient.
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Propofol is highly lipid soluble and insoluble in aqueous solution so is formulated as a 1% oil-in-water emulsion. Once a vial has been opened it should be refrigerated and then discarded after 24 hours. Administration of the agent is via an intravenous route and should be given slowly to effect (over 2 minutes usually), with onset of action between 60-90 seconds. Administration of premedications such as [[Alpha-2 Agonists|alpha-2 agonists]] or [[opioids|opioids]] can significantly reduce the amount of propofol required to anaesthetise a patient.
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Propofol is ''highly distributed'' meaning that blood levels significantly fall rapidly. It is metabolised by the liver and conjugates are excreted in urine. It is this hepatic metabolism that allows for repeated dosing as this rapid metabolism that means there is little accumulation of the drug, making it a suitable agent for TIVAs in some species.
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Propofol is ''highly distributed'' meaning that blood levels significantly fall rapidly. It is metabolised by the liver and conjugates are excreted in urine. It is this hepatic metabolism that allows for repeated dosing as this rapid metabolism that means there is little accumulation of the drug, making it a suitable agent for TIVAs in some species.