Propofol
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Propofol is one of the most commonly used injectable anaesthetic agents in small animal practice. It is a very short acting alkylphenol. It is generally used as a induction agent but can be used for maintenance of anaesthesia via a total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) protocol.
Mechanism of Action
Propofol acts upon the GABAa receptors, causing it's activation, similarly to thiopental, although it binds at a different site. This causes increased chloride conductance leading to hyperpolarisation.
Pharmacological Considerations
Contraindications and Side Effects
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 diazepam , have been ineffective.