Herbs & Supplements
Over 60 million Americans use herbal medications and supplements on a regular basis. People who use herbal remedies tend to be well educated and want to take an active role in promoting their health, preventing and treating disease, and aging gracefully. Over half of the people who have elective surgery have used herbal supplements in their lifetime, and at least one-third use herbal remedies on a regular basis.
Despite the fact that so many people use herbal medications and supplements, studies have found that less than 10% of all herbal supplement users inform their physicians before surgery. Often, people believe that since herbal medications and supplements are promoted as natural, they are safer and less likely to cause side effects than prescription medications. This is not always the case.
The fact is that 30% of all modern, conventional medicines are derived from plants, and herbal supplements often have significant medicinal activity, as well as potential for adverse effects and drug interactions.
Your surgeon needs to know if you have been
using herbal medicines or supplements in order
to prevent avoidable complications associated
with common medications and stress on the
This guide is designed to provide information about some of the most commonly used herbal medications and supplements in the United States and the complications associated with their use during surgery. If you use any herbal medication or supplement it is prudent to follow the general recommendation of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and discontinue their use 2-3 weeks before your scheduled surgical procedure.
Ginko Biloba Uses: improve memory, Supplements Surgical Complications: Increase Bleeding Discontinue 36 hours before surgery Garlic Tablets Uses: lowers blood pressure
increases the risk of infection, postoperative
Surgical Complications: Discontinue one week before surgery Uses: nausea, motion Surgical Complications: Discontinue one week before surgery Omega-3, EFA, Uses: increases physical or Flax & Fish Oil Uses: rheumatoid arthritis, Side Effects: insomnia, Surgical Complications: Surgical Complications: Discontinue 2-3 weeks Discontinue one week before surgery before surgery Saw Palmetto Glucosamine & Chondroitin Use: male urinary Use: osteoarthritis Surgical Complications: Surgical Complications: Discontinue 2—3 weeks before surgery Discontinue 2-3 weeks before surgery Feverfew Dong Quai Use: migraines Side Effects: may cause Uses: menstrual & Surgical Complications: Surgical Complications: Discontinue 2-3 weeks before surgery Discontinue one week before surgery Herbal Medications with Serious Complications or Drug Interactions During Surgery Ephedra/Ma Huang Herbal Supplements Uses: increase energy, Which Increase Side Effects: heart Sedation Surgical Complications:
interacts with anesthesia recovery from anesthesia.
and can cause seizures, heart attack, or stroke
Discontinue 24 hours before surgery St John’s Wort Uses: mild depression, Side Effects: sensitivity Surgical Complications: Valerian Uses: sleep aid, mild Discontinue 5 days Surgical Complications: before surgery Uses: anxiety Discontinue 1 week Side Effects: “kava before surgery
dermatopathy” causes red eyes, scaly skin, and
Licorice Uses: sore throat, Surgical Complications: Surgical Complications: Discontinue 24 hours before surgery Discontinue 2—3 weeks before surgery Vitamin E Some Herbal Supplements Uses: protects the heart are known to affect the skin and may cause: Sun Sensitivity Surgical Complications: or Allergic Rash Discontinue 2—3 weeks before Echinacea Uses: stimulates immune Side Effects: suppresses Goldenseal Uses: gastrointestinal and Surgical Complications: Surgical Complications: Discontinue 2—3 weeks Discontinue 2—3 weeks before surgery before surgery
Resources:
References: Adusumilli PS, Ben-Porat L,
Patients.” J Am Coll Surg
Hospitals.” Anesth Analg
Perioperative Care.” JAMA
Supplements.” Plast Reconstr Surg; Geriatrics 2004;
Surgeon Must Know.” Arch Facial Plast Surg 2001; Dermatol Surg 2005;
Herbal Supplements.” J Surg Research 2003;
“Top-10 List of Herbal and Supplemental Medicines Used by Cosmetic Patients:
Needs to Know.” Plast Reconstr Surg 2006; 117(2):436-445.
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