[Propofol up2date. Part 1: history and pharmacological characteristics]

Abstract

Propofol is a common hypnotic agent in anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine and for procedural sedation as well. Despite the intensive usage the full potential, pharmacokinetic and -dynamic abilities, interactions and side effects of the substance may not be realized by all providers. Additionally there is dispute and unwarranted myth about the substance. Propofol is a highly potent hypnotic with a wide range of (un)desired effects. This article is reviewing the diversity of the substance in clinical practice.