propofol
Pronunciation: PRO-poh-fol
A short-acting intravenous anesthetic and sedative-hypnotic agent delivered as a lipid emulsion, widely used in dental anesthesiology for induction and maintenance of sedation or general anesthesia.
Full Definition
Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is formulated as a white oil-in-water emulsion and acts primarily via GABA-A receptor potentiation to produce dose-dependent CNS depression ranging from sedation to general anesthesia. In dental settings it is favoured for its rapid onset, short duration, and antiemetic properties. Its soya-lecithin/egg-phosphatide vehicle historically prompted 'egg allergy' warnings, though current evidence does not support routine avoidance. Editors must spell the generic name 'propofol' (not 'propoful' or 'propafol'), distinguish it from the brand name Diprivan, and note that its white emulsion appearance is sometimes described as 'milk of amnesia'—a colloquialism inappropriate in clinical copy.
Usage
Usage note: Spell carefully—commonly misspelled as 'propafol' or 'propoful'. Use the generic name 'propofol' in clinical documents; reserve 'Diprivan' for brand-specific contexts. Avoid the colloquialism 'milk of amnesia'.
In Context
- "Propofol was infused at 75 mcg/kg/min to maintain moderate sedation throughout the third-molar extraction." — IV sedation protocol
- "The editor flagged 'propafol' as a misspelling and corrected it to 'propofol' throughout the manuscript." — Copy-editing note