Common side effects (usually not life-threatening)

Airway and throat

• Sore throat and hoarseness (more likely if a breathing tube is used)
• Lip or tongue injury; rarely dental damage

PONV: postoperative nausea and vomiting

PONV is among the most common unpleasant side effects. Risk is increased by prior PONV/motion sickness, female sex, nonsmoking status, volatile agents, opioids, and certain surgeries. Prevention commonly includes antiemetics and technique choices (e.g., propofol-based anaesthesia).

IV-related

• Pain/burning with propofol injection (common)
• Bruising, phlebitis, or infiltration
• Rare local infection

Other common issues

• Shivering and feeling cold
• Itching (especially with neuraxial opioids)
• Urinary retention (spinal/epidural, opioids)
• Transient low blood pressure or dizziness on standing