Propofol and Runny Nose: 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."

• DC2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2014

For Anesthesia "While propofol is great for knocking you out of uncomfortable procedures, I've used it twice and both times have had a runny nose (i.e., constant dripping) for a couple of days following its use. This last time when I told the anesthesiologist, he said that wasn't related. But I have the exact same problem as last time."

• Anonymous
• October 11, 2013

For Anesthesia "Just had propofol today for colonoscopy. Everything went great with the sedation, but now 10 hours later, my nose is running continuously and my right eye is tearing. I tried Benadryl but that did not help. Surprised to see how many people are having the same reaction."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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 ..."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• thi...
• January 21, 2016

For Anesthesia "I am a 32-year-old male and have been experiencing some pretty scary health issues. About 8 months ago, my hair started falling out in random patches, and I have lost pounds in the same time. I was scheduled for a colonoscopy and endoscopy. Yesterday, I checked in for that. I am a super nervous person. I have been diagnosed with severe panic disorder caused by anxiety. I have always feared general anesthesia as I have some sleep apnea issues. Could not believe how quickly I went out and then was in the recovery area with a juice box! No more worries about this drug again. Also had a runny nose and slight eye irritation. It surprises me that none of you would know that it's from the oxygen in your nose though? Obviously."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Sai...
• August 31, 2015

For Anesthesia "I was just administered propofol for the second time in a few months. Although the procedures were different, the reaction was the same. Immediately after waking, my nose began running profusely. The pain in my nose was severe; I couldn't breathe through it, hence I couldn't sleep. The day after the procedure, I developed a fever that got so high I had to go to the ER. The fever lasted more than 48 hours."

• ohn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2012

For Anesthesia "I was given Versed propofol to sedate me for an upper endo. I have Asperger's, so I was very nervous about any sensory issues the medicines might cause, and also concerned with being nauseous, so the anesthesiologist gave me Zofran to ward off any nausea. When I was taken back to the OR, the CRNA injected me with a tiny bit of Versed just to relax me. I was rolled onto my side, they put the oxygen tube in my nose, and then the CRNA pushed the rest of the Versed and then the propofol, and I was out like a light! I woke up in the recovery area, and I felt fine. I had a bit of double vision at first, but that wore off after 2-3 mins. Also, I could not stop laughing. Slight stuffy nose like others have mentioned. Not a bad experience!"

• Cas...
• November 15, 2017

For Anesthesia "I had endoscopy with oxygen and propofol. Immediately upon waking, I started sneezing and had a runny nose. My ribs are sore from sneezing. I've read many threads about the same problem. Why isn't anything being done about it? My doctor said to see my GP. Passing the buck. Nurses playing dumb too. I'm on day 3 and no relief with Benadryl, nasal sprays, etc. Can anyone tell me how long this horrible reaction will last?"