Not all pills are stopped — the logic behind what continues.
Before your procedure, we conduct a medication reconciliation to verify every pill you take. Some drugs interact dangerously with anesthesia, while others are vital to keep your body stable. We require a full list, including all supplements and over-the-counter vitamins. This ensures your safety throughout the operation.
Most patients continue their antihypertensives on the morning of surgery. Sudden withdrawal from these drugs can cause dangerous blood pressure spikes or heart strain. We ask you to take these with a small sip of water. We monitor your levels closely throughout your stay.
If you take anticoagulants, we must coordinate a temporary pause before surgery. Stopping these drugs too early risks clotting, but continuing them increases your risk of bleeding during the procedure. We provide a specific schedule for when to stop and restart these medications based on your personal risk level.
Managing blood glucose levels is critical when you cannot eat before surgery. We often reduce or stop your usual insulin or oral medication to prevent hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. We will provide you with a precise plan to adjust your doses for the hours leading up to your arrival.
Every surgeon has different protocols based on your specific medical history and the type of procedure. Never assume it is safe to stop or take a drug without verifying it against your surgical instruction sheet. If you lose your paperwork or feel confused, call the pre-admission testing clinic immediately.