Aquafol 100ml - 100ml

COMPOSITION
Propofol 10 mg/mL.

ACTIONS
Propofol is a short acting general anaesthetic agent for intravenous injection. Anaesthesia of up to five minutes for procedures of short duration may be achieved by administration of a single bolus injection of Aquafol. Aquafol is also indicated for anaesthetic induction prior to inhalation anaesthesia and for maintenance of anaesthesia by incremental doses of Aquafol administered intravenously to effect.
Propofol was first introduced into veterinary anaesthesia over 20 years ago, and has since proven to be a safe and effective anaesthetic agent with a wide range of clinical applications and a number of advantages over other anaesthetic drugs. The induction of anaesthesia which follows intravenous administration of propofol is rapid and smooth. Rapid induction allows a short time to intubation, where indicated, and early control of the animal’s airway. Propofol anaesthetic induction is without the unpleasant and potentially damaging excitatory side effects sometimes observed in other anaesthetic agents. Unlike barbiturates, no evidence of tissue irritation or reaction has been observed following accidental perivascular administration of propofol.
The demonstrated compatibility between propofol and a wide variety of commonly used preanaesthetic agents and analgesics broadens the scope of propofol use in veterinary clinical practice through its inclusion in balanced anaesthetic protocols. The dose of propofol required to induce anaesthesia is significantly reduced by the administration of preanaesthetic agents prior to induction. Anaesthesia induced by a single dose of propofol is of short duration, allowing a rapid emergence following short procedures. For longer procedures, propofol induction provides the versatility of a choice of maintenance with propofol or inhalation. Propofol is compatible with inhalational anaesthetic agents such as halothane and isoflurane. Alternatively, anaesthesia may be maintained through the administration of intravenous bolus injections of propofol as required.
A further advantage of propofol over anaesthetic agents such as barbiturates is the lack of a cumulative effect following top-up doses, such that maintenance of anaesthesia by repeated doses of propofol only minimally prolongs anaesthetic recovery time. Propofol anaesthetic may also be repeated on separate occasions in dogs without the development of tolerance or sensitivity, a useful characteristic when short procedures are performed on a regular basis, e.g. daily bandage changes or radiotherapy.
Propofol provides a safer alternative to barbiturates in sighthounds, as the extended recovery periods commonly experienced with barbiturate anaesthesia in those breeds are not observed following propofol anaesthesia.
The characteristically rapid recovery from propofol anaesthesia provides a relatively comfortable postanaesthetic experience and allows the early discharge of the animal from the veterinary clinic. Propofol has been successfully used for Caesarean sections in dogs and has been found to have a positive impact on neonatal survival. Rapid recovery from anaesthesia allows the bitch to begin caring for the puppies earlier, and the rapid clearance of the drug from body may result in more vigorous puppies. Aquafol is an aqueous solution containing an antimicrobial preservative and therefore does not support microbial growth.
Pharmacology Propofol (2,6-di-isopropylphenol) is a nonbarbiturate sedative/hypnotic agent which produces a rapid and smooth induction and reliable maintenance of general anaesthesia. Propofol has a high affinity for body tissues due to its lipophilic nature and therefore exhibits a large volume of distribution. Propofol rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier, resulting in a rapid onset of action following intravenous administration. Extensive redistribution and metabolism of propofol result in a short duration of action and a smooth and rapid recovery.
Pharmacokinetics Propofol is highly bound to plasma proteins (95% to 99%). Rapid hepatic biotransformation occurs via glucuronide conjugation to inactive metabolites which are primarily excreted by the kidneys. The elimination half-life in the dog is approximately 1.4 hours, with a clearance of approximately 50 mL/kg/minute. Due to its lipophilic nature, propofol crosses the placenta and passes into milk.

INDICATIONS
General anaesthetic agent for use in cats and dogs. Anaesthesia of up to five minutes for procedures of short duration may be achieved by administration of a single bolus injection of Aquafol. Aquafol is also indicated for anaesthetic induction prior to inhalation anaesthesia and for maintenance of anaesthesia by incremental doses of Aquafol administered intravenously to effect.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.
Following withdrawal of the first dose, use the remainder of the vial within 6 months or discard the unused portion. Administer by intravenous injection only. The dose rates provided below are for use as a guide only. Aquafol should be administered to effect. The required dose of Aquafol is reduced by the prior administration of preanaesthetic agents.
Dogs. Unpremedicated induction: 6.5 mg/kg bodyweight. Premedicated induction: 4 mg/kg bodyweight.Cats. Unpremedicated induction: 8 mg/kg bodyweight. Premedicated induction: 6 mg/kg bodyweight.

PRESENTATION
100 mL.sterile multidose glass vial

STORAGE
Store below 30°C (room temperature). Protect from light. Sterility has been demonstrated for six months following withdrawal of the first dose.

PRECAUTIONS
Do not use in food producing species of animals. This product contains Solutol HS15 which has been associated with anaphylactoid type skin hypersensitivity reactions in animals.
During induction of anaesthesia, transient apnoea and mild hypotension may occur. Respiration should be monitored and facilities should be available for maintenance of the animal's airway, artificial ventilation and oxygen enrichment.
Use with caution in animals with cardiac, respiratory, renal or hepatic disorders, hypovolaemia or debilitation. Safety of use during pregnancy has not been investigated, but propofol may be used for Caesarean section in dogs.