Changes To Medications
Patients may need to adjust their medication before surgery. Some medications can affect the anaesthesia, and elective ear microsurgery with anticoagulation and anti-platelet therapy is not recommended.
Patients should write down all of the medications they are taking to bring to their consultation.
The list should include:
- Any prescription medications;
- Over-the-counter medications;
- Herbs, vitamins and supplements; and
- If you smoke, how often you drink alcohol or consumption of any other recreational drugs.
Medications That Can Affect Blood Clotting
Some medications, herbs and supplements can cause the blood to become thinner than usual, leading to complications during or after surgery. Please see a list of common medications below that can affect blood clotting. If you take any of these medications, it is important to mention this during your consultation.
Antiplatelet Medications
Aspirin (any brand, type and dose), Cilostazol, Clopidogrel, Clopidogrel/Aspirin, Dabigatran, Dipyridamole, Dipyridamole/Aspirin, Enteric-coated Aspirin, Prasugrel, Ticlopidine
Anticoagulant Medication
Dalteparin Sodium injection, Danaparoid Sodium injection, Heparin injection, Rivaroxaban, Warfarin
Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Celecoxib, Etoricoxib, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Ketoprofen, Ketorolac, Mefenamic Acid, Meloxicam, Naproxen, Parecoxib, Piroxicam, Sulindac, Tiaprofenic Acid, Diclofenac Sodium, Misoprostol
Herbs and Vitamins
Ajoene Birch Bark, Cayenne, Chinese Black Tree Fungus, Cumin, Evening Primrose Oil, Feverfew, Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Grape Seed Extract, Milk Thistle, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Onion Extract, St. John’s Wort, Turmeric, Vitamins C And E
* The above list includes common medications but it is not a complete list. If you are unsure if your medication causes blood thinning, please speak with your surgeon or General Practitioner before your admission date.
- When to stop taking vitamin, herbs and diet supplements
This is usually about five to seven days before your operation. - Which medications are safe to continue taking
Patients may be instructed to take some medications even though they will not be able to eat on the morning of the surgery. These medications can be taken with a sip of water. Check with your anaesthetist during your consultation about which medications you can continue safely. - Medications affecting blood clotting
If you are taking any anticoagulation and anti-platelet therapy medications, you are requested to discuss the matter as soon as possible with your Cardiologist or General Practitioner before stopping the medication. These medications must be stopped at least five days before your admission date.
Please contact our Practice if these medications are not able to, or have not been stopped before surgery. This may affect our ability to proceed with your planned admission.
Information About Anaesthesia
The pre-anaesthetic consultation is vital to assess any factors which could complicate the anaesthetic. The anaesthetist will recommend the best choice of anaesthetic and post-operative pain relief for your individual circumstances.
For more information about anaesthesia in the lead up to your surgery, download our handy guide: