Medications in Surgery Flashcards
Most drugs can be continued during surgery because of the risk of losing control of disease if stopped suddenly.
Which medications cannot be stopped?
Which medications have to be stopped?
CCBs, Beta blockers, and long term steroid must be continued
Stopped:
1) COCP/HRT
2) K-sparing diuretics
3) ACE inhibitors
4) Lithium
5) Anticoagulants
6) Oral hypoglycaemics
Long term steroids should be continued during surgery however they need to be modified. What modification needs to be applied?
What is the consequence if not?
Sick day rules need to be applied which is doubling the dose. (This is done to be able to mount a physiological stress response to surgery)
If not, Addisonian crisis
How far ahead of surgery does COCP or HRT need to be stopped?
4 weeks before surgery
K-sparing diuretics and ACE-inhibitors need to be stopped before surgery at the same time. What should they be stopped?
Day of surgery
When should lithium be stopped pre-op?
Day before surgery
Anticoagulants need to be stopped before surgery. When should they be stopped?
When should LMWH be started Post-op in general?
6-12 hours post-op
When should PO hypoglycemic drugs/ insulin be stopped pre-op? When is it restarted?
What is the target INR for warfarin in general and for valves?
What are some indications for warfarin use?
A patient with a metallic heart valve is currently on warfarin but is set to undergo surgery in the coming weeks. Outline how you would change her medication from pre-op to post-op.
A patient on warfarin has an INR of 5. What is your action plan?
Reduce dose (<6)
A patient on warfarin has an INR of 6. What is your action plan?
6-8 - reduce dose and omit warfarin for 2 days
A patient on warfarin has an INR of 8. What is your action plan?
8+ - give PO vitK and omit warfarin for 2 days
What agents are involved in the reversal of warfarin?
Which LMWH is used for PE?
tinzaparin
A patient is about to undergo a surgery. What are the options available for DVT prophylaxis. Are there any contraindications for your options?