You

Explain how propofol works.

KemiMed

Propofol potentiates GABA-A receptors, enhancing chloride influx and causing hyperpolarisation of the neuronal membrane. At clinical doses it produces sedation and, at higher doses, general anaesthesia.

You

What about the duration of action?

KemiMed

Propofol has a context-sensitive half-time. For short infusions (<30 min) recovery is rapid (5–10 min). For prolonged infusions (>3h), the half-time can exceed 30 min due to redistribution from peripheral compartments.