Herbal use and anesthesia

Excerpt from the brochure:

Do I need to tell my doctor about all of the herbal products and other supplements that I take?

Yes. It is absolutely essential that you tell your doctor about any treatments that you are using. These include the use of herbal medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements or any other prescribed or over-the-counter drugs. Many of the popular herbal products on the market can cause harmful side effects or interact with your other medicines.

Could herbal medicines and other dietary supplements affect my anesthesia if I need surgery?

Anesthesiologists are conducting research to determine exactly how certain herbs and dietary supplements interact with certain anesthetics. They are finding that certain herbal medicines may prolong the effects of anesthesia. Others may increase the risks of bleeding or raise blood pressure. Some effects may be subtle and less critical, but for anesthesiologists, anticipating a possible reaction is better than reacting to an unexpected condition. So it is very important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking before surgery.

There are thousands of herbal products and dietary supplements currently on the market. Listed on the reverse side are examples of some commonly used herbal and dietary products and their possible problems. Not all available products are listed. Check with your doctor if you have any questions about the prescription or nonprescription medications that you are taking.