Should certain medications be discontinued before anesthesia?
August 6, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Laura Hahn
Dear Doctor,
My name is Hildegard Hausdorf and I am about to undergo a planned operation that will require anesthesia. I am concerned about whether there are certain medications that I should stop taking before the anesthesia. I regularly take medications, including blood pressure medication, painkillers, and vitamin supplements. I want to make sure that I do everything correctly to avoid complications during the anesthesia.
My blood pressure is currently within normal range as I take my medications regularly. However, I am worried that taking my blood pressure medication before the anesthesia could cause problems. Additionally, I have occasionally taken painkillers in the past to relieve headaches or joint pain. Should I stop taking these medications before the anesthesia to avoid interactions with the anesthesia drugs?
I also take vitamin supplements to provide my body with important nutrients. Should I also stop these supplements before the anesthesia to avoid potential risks? I want to ensure that I am well-prepared and would like to know if there are specific recommendations on which medications should be stopped before anesthesia.
Could you please help me and tell me if I should stop taking my medications before the anesthesia? Are there specific medications that I should definitely continue taking to ensure my health during the operation? Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Hildegard Hausdorf
Dear Mrs. Hausdorf,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an anesthetist. It is very important to make all necessary preparations before a planned surgery to avoid possible complications during anesthesia. I will be happy to assist you and provide detailed answers to your questions.
First and foremost, it is important that you discuss the intake of your medications with your treating doctor before anesthesia. This is especially important for blood pressure medications, as these medications can have an impact on blood pressure during anesthesia. In most cases, it is recommended to continue taking blood pressure medications until the day of the surgery to ensure stable blood pressure during the procedure. Your anesthetist will monitor your blood pressure during the operation and take appropriate action if necessary.
Regarding pain medications, you should discuss with your doctor before anesthesia which pain medications you are taking and whether they could have an impact on the anesthesia. Some pain medications, for example, can affect blood clotting, which can be important for anesthesia. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from taking pain medications before the operation unless your doctor explicitly recommends that you continue taking them.
As for vitamin supplements, it is generally advisable to discuss with your doctor before the operation whether and which supplements you should continue to take. Some vitamin supplements can interact with anesthesia medications or pose certain risks during the operation. Your anesthetist will be able to give you specific recommendations on which supplements you should stop taking before the operation.
In summary, it is important to discuss all medications you regularly take with your treating doctor before anesthesia. Your anesthetist will provide you with specific recommendations on which medications to discontinue before the operation and which ones you can continue to take to ensure your health during the procedure.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions, I am at your disposal. I wish you all the best for your planned surgery and a speedy recovery.
Sincerely,
Laura Hahn
