Propofol is a white, milky IV anesthetic medicine, which means it is given through a vein to make you sleepy for sedation or to start or maintain general anesthesia. It is also used for monitored anesthesia care, and it can be used in ICU patients who are on a breathing machine. It usually works very fast, often within about a minute, and its effect is short.

It is made as a lipid emulsion, which is a fat-based liquid. The mix includes soybean oil, glycerol, egg lecithin or egg phospholipids, and a preservative. Because of this fat base, it can support microbial growth, so strict clean technique is needed when it is drawn up.

Common effects include sleepiness, low blood pressure, and slowed breathing. It can also cause pain when the IV goes in. After anesthesia or sedation, your alertness may be impaired for some time.