what is propofol

Propofol is a medication used for anesthesia and sedation purposes. It is an intravenous anesthetic that is used to help patients relax or sleep before and during surgery or other medical procedures. Propofol is also used to sedate coronavirus (COVID-19) patients who need mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU) . It is administered as a bolus or an infusion, or some combination of the two. Propofol is prepared in a lipid emulsion which gives it the characteristic milky white appearance and the colloquial name "milk of amnesia". The formula contains soybean oil, glycerol, egg lecithin, and a small amount of the preservative EDTA. Propofol slows the activity of the brain and nervous system, causing loss of consciousness. It is used to put patients to sleep and keep them asleep during general anesthesia for surgery or other medical procedures. Propofol is also used to sedate a patient who is under critical care and needs a mechanical ventilator (breathing machine) . Propofol has been referred to as milk of amnesia because of its tendency to suppress memory recall. It is a short-acting medication that results in a decreased level of consciousness and a lack of memory for events. Propofol is available as a generic medication and is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines.