Vetofol 1.0% w/v Emulsion for Injection

Propofol

Last verified

Veterinary medicinal product: emulsion for injection. Distribution category: POM-V (Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3). Active substance: Propofol.1

In short: questions and answers

Does Vetofol 1.0% w/v Emulsion for Injection need a prescription?
Prescription only. As stated in the registration decision.1
Which animals is Vetofol 1.0% w/v Emulsion for Injection for?
Cats, Dogs.1
What is the active substance in Vetofol 1.0% w/v Emulsion for Injection?
Propofol. ATCvet code: QN01AX10.13
What is the withdrawal period of Vetofol 1.0% w/v Emulsion for Injection according to the leaflet?
No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3
Dispensing
Prescription only1

POM-V: Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian. Supplied only on a prescription written by a veterinary surgeon who has assessed the animal.12

Supplied only on a veterinarian's prescription. As stated in the registration decision.

Animal species
Cats1, Dogs1
Active substance
Propofol
ATCvet code
QN01AX103
Manufacturer
Marketing authorisation holder: Norbrook Laboratories Limited

Withdrawal period

No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3

Summary of product characteristics

Composition

Active Substance:

Propofol 1.0% w/v

Excipients:

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1

6.1 List of excipients

Soya Bean Oil, Refined

Lecithin, (Egg)

Glycerol

Nitrogen

Sodium Hydroxide

Water for Injections

3

Pharmaceutical form

Emulsion for injection.

A white homogeneous emulsion with no appearance of visible droplets or extreneous foreign particles.

3

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Anaesthetic

ATC Vet Code: QN01AX10

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Propofol (2,6 di-isopropylphenol, Diprivan; ICI 35868) is a nonbarbiturate substituted isopropyl phenol which is used for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Propofol is a short-acting, intravenous general anaesthetic for procedures of short duration, lasting up to 5 minutes. Recovery from anaesthesia is usually rapid.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

After a single bolus dose, blood level profiles are characterised by a rapid distribution phase and a rapid elimination phase. No accumulation of blood levels has been observed after multiple daily dosing. Urinary excretion is the major route of elimination of metabolites from the body.

3

Target species

Dogs and cats

3

Indications

Vetofol Injection is indicated for use in dogs and cats as a short-acting, intravenous general anaesthetic for procedures of short duration, lasting up to 5 minutes; for the induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia using incremental doses to effect; for the induction of general anaesthesia where maintenance is provided by inhalation anaesthetics. The product is particularly suitable for cases where a short recovery period is desired.

3

Dosage

The product is indicated for intravenous administration to dogs and cats. The vial should be shaken thoroughly before opening.

Induction: The induction dose is calculated according to bodyweight and may be administered to effect over a period of 10 to 40 seconds. Alternatively, the calculated dose may be given in full as a single bolus. The induction dose is reduced by the use of premedicants.

The following dose rates are for guidance and in practice the dose rate should be based on response.

The average induction dose for dogs and cats, either unpremedicated or when premedicated with a tranquilliser such as acepromazine, is as follows:

Dose rate (mg/kg bodyweight)Dose volume (ml/kg bodyweight)
Dogs
Unpremedicated6.56.5 ml/10 kg
Premedicated4.04.0 ml/10 kg
Cats
Unpremedicated8.02.0 ml/2.5 kg
Premedicated6.01.5 ml/2.5 kg

Maintenance: Where anaesthesia is maintained by incremental injections, the dose rate will vary between animals. Incremental doses should be given to effect. Doses of around 1 ml per 4.0 – 8.0 kg bodyweight sustain anaesthesia for periods of up to 5 minutes.

Maintenance by inhalation agents: Where inhalation agents are used to maintain general anaesthesia, clinical experience indicates that there may be a need to use a higher initial concentration of inhalation agent than is normally the case following induction with barbiturate agents such as thiopentone.

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Contraindications

None

3

Adverse reactions

Side effects during induction, maintenance and recovery are uncommon. Induction is generally smooth, minimal evidence of excitation has been observed in a small proportion of animals.

In clinical trials in cats, transient apnoea during induction and paw/face licking characteristics during recovery have been observed in a small proportion of animals.

If panting is evident before induction, it may continue throughout the subsequent periods of anaesthesia and recovery.

3

Warnings

Special precautions for use in animals

Shake the vial gently but thoroughly before opening. Do not use if evidence of phase separation remains after gentle shaking.

During induction of anaesthesia, mild hypotension and transient apnoea, similar to effects with other intravenous anaesthetic agents may occur.

When using the product, facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation and oxygen enrichment should be available.

Inadvertent perivascular administration rarely causes local tissue reactions.

As with other intravenous anaesthetic agents, caution should be exercised in dogs and cats with cardiac, respiratory, renal or hepatic impairment, or in hypovolaemic or debilitated animals.

If the product is injected very slowly, an inadequate plane of anaesthesia can occur.

Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals

This is a potent drug: particular care should be taken to avoid accidental self-administration. Preferably use a guarded needle until the moment of injection. Wash off splashes from the skin and eyes immediately.

In the event of accidental self- administration, seek urgent medical attention and show the label.

Advice to doctor: Do not leave the patient unattended. Maintain airways and give symptomatic and supportive treatment.

3

Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay

Propofol has not been used in dogs and cats where the pregnancy is to be maintained, but has been used successfully for induction prior to Caesarean section in bitches.

3

Interactions

Propofol has been used in association with commonly used premedicants e.g. atropine, acepromazine, diazepam; inhalational agents e.g. halothane, nitrous oxide, enflurane and analgesic agents e.g. pethidine, buprenorphine. No pharmacological incompatibility has been encountered.

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Overdose

Accidental overdosage is likely to cause cardio-respiratory depression. Respiratory depression should be treated by artificial ventilation with oxygen. Cardiovascular depression requires the use of plasma expanders and pressor agents.

3

Special warnings

None

3

Withdrawal period

Not applicable

3

Incompatibilities

Vetofol Injection should not be mixed with other medicinal products.

3

Immediate packaging

20 ml and 50 ml type I clear glass vials sealed with bromobutyl bungs (Stelmi 6720) and aluminium or blue flip off caps.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

3

Storage

Do not store above 25°C.

Do not freeze.

Protect from light.

Withdrawn product should be used immediately. Product remaining in the container should be discarded.

Avoid the introduction of contamination.

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Shelf life

Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 2 years.

3

Disposal of unused product

Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from such veterinary medicinal products should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

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Additional information

Vm 02000/4244

9 DATE OF RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

13 July 2010

10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

March 2011

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Registration holder

Norbrook Laboratories Limited

Station Works

Newry

Co. Down

BT35 6JP

Northern Ireland

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Regulations

Sources

  1. VMD Product Information Database: Vetofol 1.0% w/v Emulsion for Injection, 02000/4244 UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate (OGL v3.0), checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04
  2. The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3 (categories of veterinary medicinal products) UK Government, legislation.gov.uk, checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04
  3. Summary of Product Characteristics: Vetofol 1.0% w/v Emulsion for Injection UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate, SPC of the marketing authorisation holder, checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04

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