Propofol and Sore Throat: What Users Say

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2018

For Anesthesia "I'm 57 years old and had my first colonoscopy today. Propofol was used for the sedation - I didn't have any issues at all with the scope, however, when I was in the recovery chair, my throat started to hurt so bad. My glands in my neck and I began to lose my voice. My throat hurt so bad it felt like strep throat. I believe that is an allergic reaction to it, my lips swelled a little bit too. 15 hours later and I still have a sore throat and raspy voice. I wanted to share my experience as I don't know if this is a common or rare side effect."

• 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."

• 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."

• Gra...
• July 20, 2017

For Anesthesia "Woke up coughing from a colonoscopy in which propofol was used. My mouth was filled with mucus, my nose was full and running (used 1/2 box of tissues), my throat was horribly painful, and when the doctor came to see what was wrong, I couldn't tell him because I now had laryngitis and couldn't be understood. No one ever suctioned my mouth. It is now two days later, and my voice is coming back, my throat is getting better, my nose is clear, but I am still coughing up mucus. I will need to have it checked because I don't want to be diagnosed with aspirated pneumonia, which is a common side effect. I will never use this drug again. Have had two other colonoscopies in the past and had no side effects. Ask for another drug."

• Bea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2019

For Anesthesia "Due to a severely painful, tortuous colon, my colonoscopies all require general anesthesia, propofol being the drug used in this case. I never feel any discomfort during injection, and it knocks me out cold within seconds. This most recent occurrence of being administered propofol for colonoscopy has left me with a pain in my throat on one side, a bit like the pain associated with tonsillitis. I also have that weird smell/taste at the back of my throat and sinuses, which I usually experience right before I experience the symptoms of a common cold. It may just be coincidence - perhaps I do have a cold, time will still tell, but I felt I ought to highlight this in case it is a side effect of propofol."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• RNa...
• January 9, 2020

For Anesthesia "I was given propofol during my colonoscopy. When I woke up from anesthesia, I could not speak. My voice was almost completely gone. I had a terrible sore throat, and when I came home, I vomited and the sore throat continued. The next day, the pain in my throat became a little better. Today, it is more than 48 hours after my colonoscopy, I can hardly speak and still have a sore throat."

• Sue...
• August 12, 2015

For Anesthesia "Given propofol intravenously during a colonoscopy and had a hard time recovering. They said I started drooling, and they used suction, and also that my throat went into spasm. I woke with a very sore throat and headache. Once home, I couldn't swallow easily, had a headache, and was very groggy. My whole body ached, and I took two Tylenol, which did not help. I found I was running a fever. This was about 5 hours after getting home. Started drinking lots of water and was applying wet cloths to my forehead. I was crying and couldn't sleep. This lasted 18 hours! Doc said never take propofol again."

• Anonymous
• February 9, 2012

For Anesthesia "Today I received Propofol for an upper endoscopy for my gallbladder. I suffer with anxiety, so naturally I was anxious to get any kind of anesthesia put into my body. When the time came, the nurse brought me back and the anesthesiologist put an oxygen mask in my nose and told me to take a deep breath, and I was knocked out! The procedure was painless, I don't remember a thing, and the aftereffects for me were just a sore throat and gas. Anyone afraid of receiving Propofol like I was should relax because honestly it was not bad at all!"

• CJa...
• August 28, 2019

For Anesthesia "I had propofol for a colonoscopy a few days ago. As I was receiving the drug, I had a strange tingling sensation on the right side of my throat. I was out before I could call attention to it. When I woke up, I had a very sore throat just on the right side that lasted 24 hours. I used lozenges for sore throats, and it did nothing to help. I would not want to have the same drug used on me again."

• Anonymous
• December 17, 2008

Propofol for Anesthesia "I had Diprivan recently for carpal tunnel release surgery. The only bad side effect I had was a minor sore throat the next day. Also, it slowed my bowel movements for the 2 days after surgery, but I suspect that most general anesthetics do this."

• 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."

• 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."

• Cra...
• November 6, 2018

For Anesthesia "I just had a colonoscopy, and they gave me Propofol. I woke up fine. I was extremely thirsty, then went to eat, and I could not swallow my food... very scary. In less than 30 minutes, my throat was on fire, and I could barely talk. Seven hours later, it actually feels like it has gotten worse. This has never happened to me. Third colonoscopy - 54 years old, not sure if they used Propofol before. I'm telling them never to use it again. I am in extreme pain!! Plus, I'm hungry and can't really eat. Not liking Propofol :("

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2015

For Anesthesia "Had this med for colonoscopy. Easy to awake from. But I don't think they shared everything that happened during the procedure. Pillow was soaked with drool and had excruciating throat and ear pain. Was told they had to suction out my throat because I was coughing, and that is why my throat hurt. By discharge time, my sinuses, especially the left side, were incredibly congested and full of mucus. I think allergic reaction and not coughing but gagging. I had a headache the whole next day. Wouldn't use again."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2014

For Anesthesia "I had my second colonoscopy at age 61, this time with Propofol (Diprivan), and it went much better than the first one ten years earlier with a different sedative (when I woke up in the middle of the procedure in considerable pain). It was injected into an IV in the back of my right hand, and I was literally out like a light in about ten seconds. The next thing I knew, I was in the recovery room, and I couldn't believe it was over. The only side effects were a sore throat (I had on an oxygen mask, so that may have been a contributing factor) and very low blood pressure for about thirty minutes afterward."

• Cin...
• September 12, 2015

For Anesthesia "Was given propofol before a short surgery to remove an IUD. I wasn't too worried about the procedure at first. However, that changed when the anesthesiologist casually said they were going to use propofol to put me to sleep. I remembered that was one of the drugs Michael Jackson had taken before he died. The doctor had some choice words about the stupidity of having a cardiologist, not an anesthesiologist, administering any drug in a non-hospital setting, with no other staff around and without careful monitoring. They numbed my hand, inserted the IV, and I fell asleep in less than 5 minutes. It worked perfectly! I was a little drowsy and had a slight sore throat when they woke me. I relaxed at home and felt fine about 8 hours later."

• 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."

• 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."

• smj...
• November 30, 2011

For Anesthesia "I had surgery on my shin/calf area today, which took over an hour. I was totally unconscious the entire time and don't remember a thing until waking up. I did not have to be intubated. I do have a sore throat, but not intolerable. I had some mild nausea for about an hour. I was driven home by a friend, and after a 2-hour nap, I felt good."