Many patients now take herbal and other ‘over the counter’ (OTC) medications and supplements. Some of these medications may interact with anaesthetic drugs, as well as those used to relieve pain in the postoperative period. For example, St. John’s Wort is a herbal preparation commonly used by patients who are feeling ‘blue’ or a little depressed. This herb is known to affect the length of time that certain prescription drugs last, as well as some anaesthetic agents.

Other non-prescription items of importance are antacids, such as Mylanta, Maalox, or Pepto-Bismul. These antacids come either as a thick creamy liquid or as tablets. You should not take any of these after the midnight before your operation. If inhaled into your lungs, these antacids can cause damage from the tiny particles from which they are made.

You should therefore give your anaesthetist a complete list of every herbal, vitamin, and supplement you are taking, in addition to your prescription medications. Some anaesthetists actually prefer that you bring to the hospital or clinic all of the medications, herbals, supplements and vitamins that you actually take, even if it means bringing them in a ‘shopping bag’. That way, your anaesthetist can read the labels of each of the containers. This is particularly important if you are taking unusual supplements or those that contain more than one ingredient.