Propofol is one of the most used hypnotics in anesthesia today and it’s essential to our practice both in the operating theatre and in the intensive care ward.
What is the mechanism of action?
Propofol is an GABAA-receptor stimulator and when these ion-channels open negative chloride ions will enter the nerve cells and makes it more negative (hyperpolarization) and thus makes the cell harder to activate.
What is the duration of action?
Propofol is a quick acting agent when given in bolus doses. When given as an infusion over longer times it starts showing so called Context Sensitive Half-Time.