Formulations of phospholipid-coated microdroplets of propofol devoid of fats and triglycerides provide chronic sedation over extended periods of time without fat overload. Being free of nutrients that support bacterial growth, these microdroplet formulations are bacteriosatic and bactericidal (e.g. self-sterilizing) and thus have extended shelf life.

A sterile pharmaceutical composition for parenteral administration comprising an oil-in-water emulsion of propofol and an amount of pentetate sufficient to prevent significant growth of microorganisms for at least 24 hours after adventitious extrinsic contamination.

Sterile pharmaceutical compositions for parenteral administration containing 2,6-diisopropylphenol (propofol) are described for use as anesthetics. The compositions comprise an oil-in-water emulsion of propofol additionally comprising an amount of sulfite sufficient to prevent significant growth of microorganisms for at least 24 h after adventitious contamination.

Pharmaceutical compositions containing 2,6-diisopropylphenol (propofol) are described for use as anaesthetics. A method for their preparation is described, as their use in producing anaesthesia including induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia and sedation.

The present invention is directed to a sterile pharmaceutical composition comprising a propofol containing oil-in-water emulsion formulation having as an antimicrobial agent, a member selected from the group consisting of benzyl alcohol and sodium ethylene diamine tetraacetate; benzethonium chloride; and benzyl alcohol and sodium benzoate.