Unlike prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal and dietary supplements aren’t as heavily regulated by the U.S. Related reading: 9 myths about epidurals – debunked A few drugs we should know about – but likely won’t ask you to stop taking – include beta blockers for high blood pressure, proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux, statins, inhalers for asthma, anti-seizure medications, antibiotics, and acetaminophen (such as Tylenol). Of course, with some medications, stopping would be unsafe.

Because you won’t be eating on the day of surgery, we may ask you to hold or decrease many of these medications. If you take diabetes medication, we will give you instructions based on your specific medications and dosages. Please let your surgeon and anesthesia team know if you are taking these before surgery.

Over the counter: aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.Ĭertain psychiatric and weight loss medications can cause potentially harmful interactions with anesthetic medications.

Prescription: warfarin, heparin, Xarelto, Eliquis, and Plavix, among others.

Blood thinners come in prescription and over-the-counter form: Those include:Īnticoagulants, more commonly known as blood thinners, reduce the body’s ability to clot and increase the risk of serious bleeding. In general, we ask patients not to take some common medications and supplements for 1-2 weeks before surgery. This is especially important for patients who will be getting regional anesthesia, such as a spinal block or epidural.Įach patient and surgery is unique. Medications that pose the most risk during surgery are those that increase the chance of bleeding and interfere with anesthesia medications.

This is the type of anesthesia you get for a colonoscopy. Various levels of sedation may keep you responsive or make you sleepier. Sedation: This is also known as “monitored anesthesia care” and sometimes referred to as “twilight anesthesia.” You are given medication by IV or a mask to make you feel relaxed.You may get regional anesthesia for an orthopedic surgery of the arm, hand, or leg, for example.

Common types of regional anesthesia include spinal blocks, epidurals, and nerve blocks. Regional anesthesia: This type of pain management numbs a specific part of the body, such as from the waist down or one limb.Most surgeries are done under general anesthesia for your comfort and safety. You will not feel pain during the surgery or remember the procedure. General anesthesia: A combination of medications given through an IV or mask that puts you in a deep sleep.We use your medication list to create a plan of presurgical care based on the drugs you take, the procedure you’re having, and the type of anesthesia you’ll get: UT Southwestern patients who are planning for surgery get an extra layer of support through our Pre-Surgical Testing Clinic. For planned procedures, your doctor(s) will need the drug list to advise you what to stop and what not to stop.

If you need emergency surgery, keeping a current medication list might save your life. This is one of the most important reasons why every patient should keep a list of current medications. Surgical complications could include heart or bleeding problems, prolonged anesthesia effects, or increased blood pressure. But if you’re planning to have surgery, you may need to take a break from some supplements and medications that can interfere with anesthesia. More than half of American adults take an herbal or dietary supplement, and many more use over-the-counter or prescription drugs to manage maladies ranging from the occasional headache to chronic health conditions or mood disorders.įor many, it is part of their daily routine.

Gigi before surgery