Propofol and Cough: What Users Say

• Imm...
• June 27, 2021

For Anesthesia "1st time for colonoscopy, no problems. 2nd time for colonoscopy, blood pressure dropped and had respiratory distress; procedure was stopped. 3rd time warned anesthesiologist to NOT use propofol; they did. Unconscious, I was gagging and coughing and thrashed my body about the gurney, lifting my taped-down head. Anesthesia was stopped, and the procedure was begun, and when I gained consciousness, the procedure was still happening, and I could feel it. Cataract surgery. In the drugged state, I felt I was being tortured; afterwards I was crying and very sad. Horrible experience. The first cataract surgery they used Versed - it was a much better outcome. Perhaps propofol is easy or cheap - for me it was once almost deadly, and the second time frighteningly scary. I will request if I ever have another surgery to NOT use propofol on me."

• Fgh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2020

For Anesthesia "Had first colonoscopy yesterday. Was perfectly fine before the procedure. Woke up with the worst sore throat of my life. Severe congestion, headache, hoarseness, low-grade fever, and body aches. Came home, went straight to bed, and slept until the next morning. 18 hours!! Feel a little better this morning, but still have hoarseness and am coughing and just feel a little off. Body hurts, but that could just be laying down all day. Will never use this medication again."

• bja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2019

For Anesthesia "Had a colonoscopy 2 days ago. I felt great before the procedure, when I woke up from the procedure, I had a constant runny nose. Throughout the day, I started coughing, my nose wouldn't quit running, and my eyes were burning like I had a cold. Today is worse: my head and neck ache, runny nose, mild cough, ears are plugged, and I have a sore throat. No question that this was caused by the propofol, the symptoms were immediate after waking up. Would not recommend this anesthesia."

• bja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2019

For Anesthesia "Had a colonoscopy 2 days ago. I felt great before the procedure, when I woke up from the procedure, I had a constant runny nose. Throughout the day, I started coughing, my nose wouldn't quit running, and my eyes were burning like I had a cold. Today is worse: my head and neck ache, runny nose, mild cough, ears are plugged, and I have a sore throat. No question that this was caused by the propofol, the symptoms were immediate after waking up. Would not recommend this anesthesia."

• STL...
• September 10, 2019

For Anesthesia "5th colonoscopy yesterday. First time I've had these adverse reactions. Propofol IV given...maybe too rapidly? O2 per nasal cannula. Burning when injected, no big deal. Apparently, I coughed throughout the procedure and had to be suctioned. Awoke quickly, with a major headache, continual coughing, sore throat, and hoarseness. Head congestion as if I had a sinus infection. The right side of my nose was running, uncontrolled, like a hose. Gross. Excessive salivation during the procedure - pillow and hair soaking wet. Also new and gross ;-) Day 2, throat is less sore but headache and congestion remain. I've had IV sedation/general anesthesia many times, but this is the first time for headache, congestion, and runny nose. When I called back to the outpatient center, they told me to follow up with primary care - they felt it was unrelated! Those symptoms are included in the official Propofol Product Insert (from drug mfg). Wish I had read that prior to my 'scope."

• Deb...
• October 8, 2017

For Anesthesia "This was my second colonoscopy and my first using Propofol. I was not showing any signs of a cold prior to getting on the gurney. I was out like a light quickly, but when I woke up, I was full of mucus and coughing like crazy. My throat was so sore that I could barely swallow, and it was extremely difficult for me to speak. My procedure was on Friday, and it is now Sunday, and although my throat feels much better, I'm still coughing up mucus. If it doesn't get better by tomorrow, I'll go see my GP. Propofol may be great for some, but not for me."

• Sli...
• December 11, 2019

For Anesthesia "Had a colonoscopy yesterday and have had at least 6 surgeries and procedures in the last few years, with me specifically mentioning my desire for propofol. Had no symptoms of a cold beforehand. Woke up with a running nose, severe sore throat, headache, cough, chills, and the absolute feeling of having a cold. Lasted for the rest of the night, feeling better this morning, but still with a sore throat and headache. So confused about this till I start reading this thread. Why this happened on this procedure and not the others is a mystery and concerning."

• Vin...
• August 20, 2020

For Anesthesia "2010 had a colonoscopy. Not sure what anesthesia was used, but I had no issues other than being sleepy afterwards. 2018 had outpatient surgery for a torn meniscus. First experience with propofol, and it was excellent. No side effects, up and around that afternoon, eating normally. August 2020, had another colonoscopy with propofol as the anesthesia. Woke up in recovery cold and shivering. Once I got home, awful headache, sore mouth, blister on the tip of my tongue, sore throat, runny nose, cough, and pain in my jaws, slight swelling, and tenderness in the glands. Presuming the cold symptoms are from the oxygen cannula from what I have read here. The headache likely from dehydration. But the jaw issues and the too huge blister make no sense. I’m 66 and have had lots of surgeries and procedures, including dental, and I have never had any problem with jaw clenching. Something doesn’t seem quite right. Not sure I want this again."

• Sti...
• May 30, 2018

For Anesthesia "Had a colonoscopy 9 days ago. Had one 20 years ago with Versed/Fentanyl with no problem. This time the doctor said they only use propofol. I fell asleep quickly and had no memory of the procedure, but I had to be suctioned for excess drooling and coughing while I was under. My throat felt like I had eaten a razor blade. I was woozy, wobbly, and felt like I couldn't think right for 4 days. I had and still have deep laryngitis and a low-grade temperature. I feel awful. Will not use propofol again."

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2017

For Anesthesia "Received this horrible stuff for my upper endoscopy. Made my heart race for two days, coughed so much when I came to and afterward for about 10 minutes, made chest sore, made me a chatterbox and I'm usually a quiet person.... wasn't sleepy, I went to bed, deep sleep, woke up to heart racing and jittery feeling from this medicine, caused shallow breathing too. It will never pipe through my veins again! I had to drink and drink water to get this junk out of my system. Horrible poison!"

• 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."

• Dos...
• November 13, 2019

For Anesthesia "Had a colonoscopy today, this is my 3rd one in 6 years. They gave propofol the first two times and had no problem, but this time after I woke up, I had a cough, congestion, a very sore throat, and a headache. Not sure what happened this time, not sure this is such a wonderful drug."

• 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."

• Kik...
• June 17, 2017

For Anesthesia "I had propofol for a routine colonoscopy. From the time I was under, I was coughing and had to be suctioned. When I woke up, coughing and dry throat. Went home and had bad chills for one hour and ran a 101 fever, too. Finally, I called med exchange and found I could take Tylenol. Better today, but still wheezing and voice is strangled. Next time I will choose different anesthesia."

• 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."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2021

For Anesthesia "I had a short GYN procedure this morning, which required propofol/midazolam sedation. I have had a runny nose since then (15 hours ago) with sneezing and occasional coughing. I had midazolam in the past on multiple occasions, and I never had these symptoms, so it is unlikely to be the cause. Also, I am very fit, I am not on any meds, so I suspect that propofol is the likely culprit. Although it is a great drug from a procedural standpoint, one should research all potential side effects thoroughly before getting it."

• Sth...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2015

For Anesthesia "Had an EGD and propofol was used. I woke up quickly after the procedure and was able to walk to my car. I experienced coughing for a few minutes after awaking, along with uncontrollable watery stools, which lasted for 24 hours. My blood pressure, heart palpitations, and blood sugar dropped to normal readings, and I haven't taken my normal medications for 2 days. Also, my body pain I normally have from fibromyalgia has alleviated. I can see why people might become addicted to this medication. It worked like an overall healing drug for me. I feel great."

• ecd...
• October 15, 2022

For Anesthesia "Colonoscopy two days ago using propofol. I vomited at some point. The CRNA just handed me a box of tissues and said, 'You threw up,' and walked away just as I was waking up. I started coughing and my nose was running like crazy. I have no idea when I vomited, as she didn't tell me and I haven't asked yet. However, I've had a raspy voice, runny nose, and cough that continues. I believe it must have been stomach acid, as I had the worst sore throat of my life for 24 hours. Colonoscopy went fine, but I don't believe I'll use propofol again."

• Ter...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2022

For Anesthesia "My first colonoscopy was a breeze - no issues. Second colonoscopy was a nightmare with propofol. Woke to horrible chest pain/congestion, coughing, sore throat/ears, fever, bad headache, and nausea. Never, ever again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2023

For Anesthesia "I had an endoscopy a week ago and was given propofol, which I could taste, through an IV. I still feel like I'm sleepwalking, though I have functioned moderately well at work, with some confusion on the day after the procedure. I quickly get exhausted with slight physical exertion. My hair has suddenly become very dry and brittle. I've been forgetful and emotional. My close vision has become blurry. I've been having bad dreams. Yesterday, I experienced lots of sneezing, eye-watering, and coughing, along with swelling of my hands and feet. I called the endoscopic center, and they told me to consult my primary care doctor. Unfortunately, she was out of town until next week. Her receptionist advised me to go to urgent care. I followed their advice and felt fortunate to leave a couple of hours later without having my driver's license taken away! I'm so grateful to have discovered these reviews because now I understand that I'm not losing my mind, and eventually, these symptoms may wear off."

• Mka...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2021

For Anesthesia "I had a colonoscopy 2 days ago. I get one every 5 years, and this was my third. I was given propofol. I woke up in recovery with a flaming sore throat and coughing nonstop. I still felt the effects of the meds. I got right into bed and could not get warm. I had blankets and a heating pad to get warm. I was groggy all day and the next. It was NOT a good experience like the other two. I would not take propofol again. I still have a cough and cold-like symptoms."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2025

For Anesthesia "I'm reading a lot of people having allergy issues with propofol. I had my first colonoscopy with propofol and only had a positive experience. Fell asleep, woke up gently, and was over the effects shortly after. Didn't have the coughing, runny nose, or eye issues."