Propofol and Sneezing: What Users Say

• Ter...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2014

For Anesthesia "I went in for a colonoscopy today and was put under with propofol. It took effect right away, after maybe four deep breaths. I was groggy for maybe 15 minutes after waking up in recovery. However, I have been suffering from major allergy-like symptoms all afternoon and evening - sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, then a runny nose. I feel fairly miserable, not from the procedure but from sneezing."

• car...
• October 18, 2014

For Anesthesia "I had a colonoscopy, this was the second time. Both times Propofol worked well. I was out during the whole time, so felt no pain. One difference was this second time when I woke up, I started sneezing and my nose was running. After that, my eyes started watering, and I have been having problems for days after with that with my nose running and eyes stinging. Allergy medicines have had no effect, the only thing that has helped somewhat is Nasacort. Prior to the procedure, I was not having problems with allergies. I have found other anecdotal evidence on the internet of other people having these issues, it seems as if this is an unadvertised side effect."

• Fre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2021

For Anesthesia "I had a colonoscopy, and while in recovery, my left eye and nostril began watering and were very irritated. By the time I left recovery, my eye was swollen and almost constantly had to be dabbed with a tissue. I also had bouts of sneezing. It’s been over 24 hours since the procedure, and it hasn’t let up yet. Claritin has not helped. It’s completely miserable."

• lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2020

For Anesthesia "Always works like a charm. I wake up a little groggy but on my feet within 15 minutes. Anesthetist calls it milk of amnesia. I had a colonoscopy today and have severe rhinitis and sneezing all through the night, which I have never had with propofol before (3 coloscopies, 2 hand surgeries). A little research online indicates it's due to the oxygen they gave me via nasal cannula, which I was never given before. It is not caused by propofol...take a look yourself...studies by NIH and others show it's somewhat common from oxygen via nasal cannula and will pass."

• lan...
• June 21, 2013

For Anesthesia "I had propofol during a routine colonoscopy today. This was amazing. I was out in a flash and woke up feeling great. Then before I even got out of the operating room I started sneezing uncontrollably. I could barely stop sneezing to ask if it was related. I've had IV sedation plenty of times, but this was the first propofol experience. The nurse said she'd heard of reactions like this, but was not concerned. It's been 12 hours now. I am still sneezing. It's like a nerve at the top right side of my nose, just under my eye, is irritated and won't calm down. So I will continue to sneeze until it stops. I did sleep a couple of hours with no irritation at all, but while awake the annoying feeling continues."

• Anonymous
• December 11, 2013

For Anesthesia "Had a colonoscopy yesterday... went in feeling perfectly fine, woke up after the procedure very congested and sneezing, with a runny nose and watery eyes. Sneezing continued all day, went through an entire box of tissues. Took a dose of Benadryl before bed and woke up today perfectly fine. After reading others' similar experiences, I'm sure this must have been a side effect of the propofol."

• 68l...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2021

For Anesthesia "I had propofol yesterday for my hysterectomy. I'd had it three other times without any issue. I always said it was just like taking a nap. But OMG this time my nose is literally pouring, and my eye is swollen almost shut. The need to sneeze is terrible. I REALLY don't like sneezing right now. I had a lot of trouble in my first surgery waking up. So when I found propofol, I loved it. Now I'm gonna do some research before I use it again."

• Eli...
• November 6, 2013

For Anesthesia "I had a colonoscopy today and was feeling fine before and on the drive home - my nose started running and I was sneezing. I was given propofol. I was a little groggy right after waking up, but felt fine by the time I got home. It has been about 6 hrs and I am still experiencing flu-like symptoms - runny nose & sneezing - mostly on one side. 5 yrs ago I had a colonoscopy and did not experience any of these symptoms. I am glad to see others have experienced the same symptoms ..."

• Nad...
• September 10, 2013

For Anesthesia "I was administered propofol for a colonoscopy for the first time. I did work like magic - fast out, fast in. But as I got home, I began sneezing, had itchy eyes and tears, an itchy and running nose like I had a severe case of allergy, which I never had before. The nurse called me the next day and asked how I was doing. When I described my symptoms, she said it is in no way related to what was done to me during the colonoscopy. I was unconvinced and Googled propofol's side effects. I am glad that quite a few people had the same side effect of propofol. I wish doctors and nurses knew about this and warned their patients and recommended a remedy. This side effect is not a big deal, but I wish I knew about it and was prepared. I hope it subsides soon."

• New...
• September 26, 2017

For Anesthesia "Had colonoscopy September 2017 and was given propofol as anesthesia. Woke up great after the procedure, but nose was stuffy. Was told oxygen does that as it dries out your nasal passages. Went home and had a reaction similar to a bad cold. Could not quit sneezing, runny nose, sinus pressure, etc."

• SAG...
• September 1, 2013

For Anesthesia "I likewise experienced continuous sneezing immediately after a colonoscopy, which continued for several hours. My right nostril was itching and nose 'running' for several hours. Glad to read similar side effects from propofol."

• Mic...
• January 5, 2013

For Anesthesia "Was given propofol today for an endoscopy. It worked great, except that my nose has been tickling ever since, and I have been sneezing continuously. The only thing that made the sneezing subside was exercising. I hope tomorrow is sneeze-free!"

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 30, 2019

For Anesthesia "The nasal cannula (delivering oxygen while under) is causing nasal drip and sneezing, not propofol. I have had several injections in my lower back and knee. Yesterday, they did my back, but afterward, I had continuous sneezing and the right side of my nose dripping, still today. This procedure used a nasal cannula, and since my back was higher than my head, I laid my head on my right side. Propofol was great, but I want to stop sneezing."

• lie...
• December 21, 2007

For Anesthesia "I had a procedure yesterday where I was given propofol with lidocaine. I don't know if this is a side effect, but when I went in for the test, I was fine. No s/s of a cold. When I awoke, I was sneezing, had a runny nose, watery eyes that burned when the light hit them. It was s/s of a severe cold. I took Benadryl last night and was better today, but still had it. I have taken Sudafed, and it seems to help. Side effect of the med???? I don't know."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2011

For Anesthesia "Propofol given for colonoscopy. Awoke quickly and was alert and feeling fine within minutes after the procedure. On the way home, I started sneezing. I have a very runny nose and have been sneezing for the past 24 hours. No other signs of a cold. Was glad to see some others have reported a similar response. I can't find anything from the medical profession that confirms my connection with the medicine and the side effect."

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2010

For Anesthesia "I had my first colonoscopy yesterday and was given Propofol and Zofran. I believe some people can have an allergic reaction to Propofol, which is what I experienced. Right after the procedure, my nose was really itchy, and I sneezed several times. It continued with a runny nose and lasted several hours. I took DayQuil when I got home, and it didn't stop the symptoms, so two hours later, I took a generic antihistamine, and that stopped it. I woke up this morning without a runny nose or sneezing."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2018

For Anesthesia "Had a colonoscopy yesterday that went fine - I was out in seconds and felt/remember nothing. The aftereffects have ruined the experience though. I’m having very bad sinus problems that have been persistent since I got home - a burning in one nostril and constant sneezing, coughing, and nasal drip. I’m going to ask for a different drug next time."

• Sne...
• December 16, 2019

For Anesthesia "Had the 2nd EGD in my life yesterday and was given propofol for sedation. I've had other procedures and surgeries with propofol, but this is the 1st time I had a persistent runny nose and sneezing afterwards. It started about 4 hours after the procedure and more than 24 hours later, my nose is still running. I had been worried about the O2 via nasal cannula because I am prone to 30-minute nosebleeds and even had a 5-minute nosebleed before the EGD, so I'm not sure which it was from, but doubt I'd have these side effects this long after receiving O2. I have a sore throat but think that's from the actual scope. I'm suffering so much because I can't take antihistamines due to the risk of a major nosebleed. Sorry to hear others here have experienced this, but glad I'm not alone."

• Joy...
• March 28, 2019

For Anesthesia "I had my fifth colonoscopy 2 days ago. They used propofol. I have had it in the past with no side effect. This time I had an irritating side effect that is continuing 2 days later. I can’t stop sneezing, and my nose is running like a water faucet. I did a computer search on this, and it can happen during a colonoscopy and/or endoscopy. What luck I have. I will request to not have propofol next time. This is worse than the preparation for the colonoscopy itself. I have to keep a tissue stuffed up my nose, or it pours out like a waterfall. Ask questions about this to your doctor before they knock you out."

• Col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2020

For Anesthesia "I was given propofol for the first time for a dental procedure yesterday. I did not experience the sneezing, congestion, and profuse mucous secretion that I have heard others have suffered with. I had another unfortunate spike this morning in blood pressure, my systolic (top #) exceeded 210...so off to urgent care. They were able to lower it. I was told that I had an atypical reaction to this drug propofol and to never have it administered again. The dentist pushed it too quickly and seemed to ignore my hypertension meds, which I mentioned 3 times. I was given an Rx for acetaminophen with codeine (made things worse) and was then told to use ibuprofen, which rendered my beta blocker and ACE inhibitors ineffective. Still feel groggy and forgetful. The propofol was like an unpleasant 'blackout' experience. It made my husband frightened when they hustled me out of the back door of the office. Never again."

• Sen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2016

For Anesthesia "I'm a cancer survivor and have had multiple surgeries requiring anesthesia. Typically, I wake feeling very groggy and nauseous, racing heart, headache, etc. This is the first time I have had propofol. I woke feeling completely alert, was able to stand up immediately, dress myself, and walk unaided to the restroom within minutes of waking. I thought this drug was finally the answer, but after several hours, I began coughing and sneezing and have not been able to sleep for two nights. I'm on day 3, and my chest feels heavy, and I continue to cough. Despite a recent bout with breast cancer, I'm physically fit and strong. I have excellent blood pressure, and my resting heart rate is around 50 bpm, which is excellent for my age, not sure why this reaction."

• Anonymous
• June 25, 2011

For Anesthesia "I'd been given propofol for a colonoscopy, and it worked great. Out like a light, felt 100% afterward. A year later, I had a D&C-again it worked well for sedation and recovery. But soon after coming out of it, I started sneezing, with eyes and nose running like a faucet. That lasted three days, but didn't happen while I was asleep. Benadryl and saline solution helped a little bit. I initially felt as if there was a sore spot in my left nostril, and I thought these hay fever-like symptoms were caused by the oxygen breathing tube. Others have indicated that it might have been the propofol. Maybe it's a combination. My doctor knew of no such side effect."

• qua...
• August 14, 2016

For Anesthesia "Yesterday, second colonoscopy with propofol. First time, no problems whatsoever. This time is a different story. After waking, uncontrollable shivering and sneezing. I feel like I have the flu. I could not sleep after getting home because of sneezing and constant nasal drip. Today, a little better, but throat is sore and the sneezing, drip continues. Eyes watering. Headache. Not sure if I want this medicine again."

• Wen...
• March 23, 2018

For Anesthesia "I had propofol for a colonoscopy yesterday and woke up sneezing non-stop. I was fine when I went in and had no signs of any cold or congestion. I’m a nurse, so I knew something wasn’t right. I’ve had too many surgeries to count due to breast cancer and never had a reaction like this. My eyes were swollen and running, my nose was stopped up on one side but pouring like crazy, and I started coughing. The nurses tried to say it was from the oxygen through a nasal cannula that had dried me out. I wasn’t dry, though! It was so bad that I came home and had to take 2 Benadryl. I know what an allergic reaction feels like due to numerous other allergies. Today my eyes are still swollen and runny, and I’m still sneezing and have a runny/stuffy nose and cough. I hope this goes away soon! I’m afraid if I try propofol again, I may have an anaphylactic reaction. I’ve had it before with no reaction, but just like my iodine allergy, the more I was exposed to it, the worse the reaction became."

• Geo...
• March 28, 2012

For Anesthesia "I was given propofol for a tendon repair on the right wrist. I went out like a light, but on waking up had several cold-like symptoms, including a sore throat and sneezing. I didn't think this was related, but after reading other reviews that noticed these side effects, I think it could be. Waking up was otherwise very good, but I forgot everything the surgeon told me just after I woke up."