Managing Medications Perioperatively

Managing Medications Perioperatively

Patient Information

• Author ID:           NH
• Leaflet Ref:         Surg 074
• Version:              1
• Leaflet title:         Managing Medications Perioperatively
• Date Produced:   July 2025
• Expiry Date:        July 2027

Introduction

You are given this leaflet because you are on medications which need to be stopped prior to your surgery. 

You will be given this leaflet at your appointment with the pre-op clinic. 

If you are also on any anticoagulation or antiplatelet medications (also known as blood thinning medications), you will be given an extra leaflet. 

Aims

To advise on when to stop some medications before surgery. This is to ensure your safety and to avoid cancellation of your surgery on the day.   

Not stopping these medications appropriately may result in cancellation of your surgery. This includes if these medications were stopped too early or too late. So please follow the advice as per the table. 

If your surgery was postponed, please contact the pre-op clinic on 01942 264234 or 01942 264235. (For orthopaedic surgeries on 01257 256340). Staff will advise if you still need to stop the medication or if it is safe to continue taking. (This will depend on the new date for your surgery).

Where it says stop 24 hour prior to surgery, this means to stop on the day of surgery and the day before. For example, if your surgery is on Monday, to have the medication for the last time on the previous Saturday. 

Where it says to stop for 48 hours prior to surgery, this means to stop on the day of your surgery and 2 days prior. For example, if your surgery is on Monday, to have the medication for the last time on the prevous Friday.

If you usually have your medications in a blister pack, a pill pouch or other monitored dosage system, please contact your regular community pharmacy for assistance allowing reasonable time for adjustments to be made.

Please bring this leaflet to the hospital with you on your operation day. 

Name of the patient:

Name of the staff nurse completing the table below:

Date: 

The table below to be completed by a staff nurse at the pre-op clinic.