Drugs to be stopped before surgery.
1. Oral hypoglycemic –
If Minor surgery – Omit morning dose
If Major surgery – Switch to insulin 48hrs before , and then omit morning dose of
insulin on day of surgery
2. OCP – Estrogen containing pills to be stooped 4 wks before surgery. (Progesterone only pills
can be continued)
3. MAO inhibitors – discontinue 3 wks before Surgery
4. Oral Anticoagulant – Stop 1 wk before and switch to low molecular weight heparin (which is
stopped 1 day before surgery)
5. Asprin – stop 48 – 72 hrs before
6. Lithium – stop 48 – 72 hrs before.
7. ACE Inhibitors.
Note: Smoking should be stopped 6wks before surgery. Even if not stopped then, it will still benefit if stopped 12hrs before surgery.
Drugs that can be continued.
- Levodopa
- AntiHypertensive (except ACE inhibitors)
- AntiAnginals (except Asprin)
- AntiThyroid drugs.
- Progesterone only pills
STEROIDS : If patient took Steroid for > 1wk in last 1year – then intraop steroid replacement is necessary.
