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Propofol is a short-acting intravenous nonbarbiturate sedative agent used for the induction of general anesthesia for adults and children, maintenance of general anesthesia, and sedation in medical contexts, such as intensive care unit (ICU) sedation for intubated, mechanically ventilated adults, and in procedures such as colonoscopy and endoscopy, as well as in dental surgery. Its widespread use as an anesthetic induction agent has largely replaced that of sodium pentothal. Although propofol is not considered an analgesic drug,[1] one study has found a lower incidence of postoperative pain after propofol anesthesia compared to anesthesia with inhalation agents.[2] Propofol is approved for use in more than 50 countries. It is also commonly used in veterinary medicine.
