Pofol is a sedative-hypnotic agent for use in the induction and maintenance of anesthesia or sedation. Intravenous injection of a therapeutic dose of Pofol produces hypnosis rapidly with minimal excitation, usually within 40 seconds from the start of an injection (the time for one arm-brain circulation). The action of Pofol involves a positive modulation of the inhibitory function of the neurotransmitter gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA) through GABA-A receptors.

Due to insufficient experience, Pofol shall not be used during pregnancy. Pofol is rapidly distributed to the foetus and shall therefore not be used for obstetric anaesthesia. Safety to the neonate has not been established in cases, where Pofol has been administered to lactating women.
Overdose Effects of Pofol
Overdosage may cause cardiorespiratory depression. Respiratory depression should be treated by artificial ventilation with oxygen, and cardiovascular depression by lowering of the patient's head and elevating of his/her legs. Pressor agents and plasma expanders or Ringer-type electrolyte solutions may be used, if necessary.
Pofol should only be given by specialists in anaesthesiology or under their supervision. The physician performing a surgical or diagnostic procedure should not administer Pofol. Facilities for resuscitation in case of any complication should be available at the treatment unit. During the administration of Pofol, patients shall be monitored continuously to observe possible hypotension, obstruction in the respiratory tract, hypoventilation or insufficient oxygen intake at a sufficiently early stage. Special attention shall be paid to patients sedated by Pofol for a surgical or diagnostic procedure, who are not artificially ventilated. Caution shall be taken in administering Pofol to patients with cardiac, respiratory, renal or hepatic insufficiency. Hypovolemic patients and those with poor general condition form another risk group.Since Pofol lacks vagolytic activity, bradycardia, even asystole, may occur. Intravenous administration of an anticholinergic agent before induction and during maintenance of anaesthesia should be considered, especially if Pofol is used in conjunction with other agents likely to cause bradycardia and in situations where vagal tone is likely to predominate. Since Pofol is a lipid emulsion, appropriate care should be applied in patients with severe disorders of fat metabolism such as pathological hyperlipidemia. If Pofol is administered to a patient for whom excessive fat intake may be risky, blood lipid values shall be monitored and Pofol dosage decreased if necessary. If the patient is receiving other paranteral lipid emulsions in addition to Pofol 200 mg/20 ml, the amount of lipid in Pofol 200 mg/20 ml (0.1 g/ ml) shall be taken into account, when calculating the total intake of fat. In epileptic patients, Pofol may lead to convulsions. The analgetic effect of Pofol as such is insufficient. Analgetics shall be used to ensure sufficient analgesia. Full recovery from general anaesthesia shall be confirmed prior to discharge. It shall be noted that the aftermath of general anaesthesia may impair the patient's ability to understand instructions given postoperatively.