Can Propofol Cause Arrhythmia?

Posted on Tue, 24 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 24 Jan 2017 Answered on

Thu, 16 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I had an EGD yesterday. (Upper GI scope) for chronic severe GERD. Evidentially, they had a hard time sedating me and had to give me more than usual. Today I woke up w/ continuous palpitations that has not ceased. My BP is 140/95, HR 84... cuff detects skipped beats. 47 y/o F, 160lbs/5,7"

Answered by Dr. Rishu Saxena (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Propofol toxicity.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for choosing HCM for your query.

Propofol is used for giving anaesthesia in EGD.Higher doses of propofol can cause arryhthmia and palpitations.Half life of propofol is around 24-36 hours,That means once administered it will take about 24-36 hours for propofol to clear from blood.As you are having palpitations and skipped beat with high blood pressure readings,I would suggest you to go to the Emergency Department,Get a E.C.G done there,Its better if they keep you under monitoring for next 12 hours,Though there is no specific antidote for overdose of propofol,But supportive treatment can be given.As the levels of drug weans off from blood you will start getting normal.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Rishu Saxena (40 minutes later)

They used Versed. Would that cause the same result? (Toxicity)

Answered by Dr. Rishu Saxena (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it can cause palpitations on higher doses.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Yes higher doses of Midazolam can also cause palpitation,Don't worry just go the nearest Emergency room and let them keep you under observation on a monitored bed for 12 hours.Once the drug will clear out from blood ,Things will be normal again.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Rishu Saxena (39 hours later)

Its been 72 hrs since my EGD, my constant palpitations have stopped, however had several throughout the day Weds & today, especially when i wake & sit at computer. Feels different: tightening/ heaviness above breast/below colar bone, w/ a weird vibration feeling (before they did this, then a pause & large heartbeat- this is not happening now) i did not go to ER b/c i figured i just needed to wait until the Versed left my system. Not in distress, but feel very tired and lighheaded. Should ingo to ER?

Answered by Dr. Rishu Saxena (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes please go to the nearest Emergency room!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
AS it is more then 72 hours now and you are still symptomatic.I would suggest you to go to Emergency room and get a ekg and some basic investigations of blood done.In fact if you are still having problem with your heart beat;a 24 hour holter should be attached to you to record the nature of false beats or you should be kept on a monitor to see the nature of beats you are having.
Thank you!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana