Changes

==Mechanism of Action==

==Mechanism of Action==

Propofol acts upon the GABAa receptors, causing it's activation, similarly to [[#barbituates|thiopental]], although it binds at a different site. This causes increased chloride conductance leading to hyperpolarisation.  

Propofol binds to and activates  GABA-A receptors, similarly to [[#barbituates|thiopental]], benzodiazepines and alcohol, although it binds at a different site on this complex multi-subunit receptor. GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. Activation of the GABA-A receptor causes increased chloride conductance leading to hyperpolarisation of the postsynaptic neuronal cell membrane, thus inhibiting conductance producing depression of the CNS.

 

==Pharmacological Considerations==

==Pharmacological Considerations==

==Uses==

==Uses==

As previously mentioned, propofol can be used as '''both''' induction and maintenance agents. It is useful in patients undergoing caesarean section as it has mininal foetal depression. It also has anticonvulsant properties and so can be used to anaesthetise a seizuring animal when other treatments, such as [[phenothiazines|diazepam]] , have been ineffective. Similarly to [[#barbitutates|thiopental]], propofol reduces intracranial pressure (ICP), so it can also be used in patients with increase ICP. It may be beneficial to use propofol in patients with upper airway obstructive disease due to rapid recovery meaning that airway reflexes are more rapidly recovered.

As previously mentioned, propofol can be used as '''both''' induction and maintenance agents. It is useful in patients undergoing caesarean section as it has mininal foetal depression. It also has anticonvulsant properties and so can be used to anaesthetise a seizuring animal when other treatments, such as [[phenothiazines|diazepam]] , have been ineffective. Similarly to [[#barbitutates|thiopental]], propofol reduces intracranial pressure (ICP), so it can also be used in patients with increased ICP. It may be beneficial to use propofol in patients with upper airway obstructive disease due to rapid recovery meaning that airway reflexes are more rapidly recovered.

[[Category:Injectable Anaesthetic Agents]]

[[Category:Injectable Anaesthetic Agents]]