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Background and objective: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out to determine the effect of esmolol on the incidence and severity of pain during propofol injection using a venous retention technique, and to compare it with lidocaine and placebo. Methods: After institutional ethical approval, 150 ASA I-II patients (ages 21–70) undergoing general anaesthesia for elective surgery were randomized to receive esmolol (0.5 mg/kg) (n = 50), lidocaine (0.5 mg/kg) (n = 50) or saline (placebo group, n = 50) diluted into a 5 ml solution after tourniquet application (70 mmHg) on the forearm. The occlusion was released after 30 seconds and 25% of the calculated induction dose of propofol was administrated at the rate of 0.5 ml/s. The patients were observed and asked immediately if they had pain in the arm, and the response was recorded. Results: Twenty-seven patients in the esmolol group, 28 in the lidocaine group, and 8 in the placebo group reported no pain (both groups vs. pl...