Pharmacology, clinical applications, and future perspectives of Ciprofol: A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Ciprofol comes from a structural modification of the propofol molecule. Approved in China for non-intubated procedures, the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia, and sedation in the intensive care unit, it is now transiting from studies into clinical practice. This review focuses on its pharmacological basis, comparative clinical profile, and the potential to shape the future of anesthesia and sedation.

MAIN BODY: Ciprofol acts on γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. It has a predictable linear pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationship and well-characterized metabolic pathways. Compared to propofol, ciprofol demonstrates superior tolerability, causing significantly less injection pain, better hemodynamic stability, and a low potential for clinically relevant drug interactions. Ciprofol is likely to be a non-inferior alternative to propofol for achieving successful anesthesia and sedation that may translate into clinical benefits for various specialized patient groups. Beyond its hypnotic effects, ciprofol may possess additional therapeutic potentials.

CONCLUSION: Ciprofol is transitioning from a novel structural analogue of propofol to a clinically relevant intravenous anesthetic and sedative agent with potential advantages. Future research should prioritize the clinical validation of promising preclinical and early clinical findings. These efforts will help define ciprofol's role in patient-centered anesthesia and sedation.