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Can Codeine And Chlor-Trimeton Be Taken Before A Back Surgery?

Posted on Wed, 2 Jul 2014

Question: I have a headache that my primary doctor has prescribed ascomp/codeine which I have taken all my life. I also need to take Chlor-Trimeton for my allergies which is the only thing that works when I have a runny nose and/or eyes. I am scheduled for back surgery on Monday at 5 p.m. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You will have to stop the medications.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

If you are undergoing any surgical procedure, medicines such as codeine need to be stopped as they might interfere with the anesthetic, Please discuss these medicines with the anesthesiologist as he/she will have to clear you for surgery before hand.

You need not worry as the doctors treating you will assess you before surgery and will advise you accordingly, but you must discuss all the medicines you are currently taking for them to make the correct decisions.

I hope this answers your concerns, please feel free to write back if you need further assistance.

Wishing you a safe surgery.

Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (10 hours later)

Since I cannot take ascomp/codeine or aspirin what can I take for my headache. I did not sleep last night due to my headache. Please give me an alternate medication. I am drinking a 6.5 oz. of Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso. Please advise immediately. I live in Kenmore, WA, USA. It is about 9 a.m. pst. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can take Paracetamol 650 mg.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

In your case I would advise to take plain Paracetamol 650 mg or Ibuprofen 400 mg as needed. These can be safely taken for headache before surgery but you will have to inform the anesthetist about them as well.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (15 minutes later)

My primary care doctor advised me to take 400 mg of Motrin or Ibuprofen prior to the scheduled surgery. The nurse for the hospital told me not to take Motrin. Please suggest and comment. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do not take immediately before surgery.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

You would not require to take any additional painkiller medication just before the surgery, You can take motrin 400 a day before, and it is advisable to not take the medicine on the day of surgery.

You will be given adequate pain relief during and after the surgical procedure, so do not worry.

Hope this answers your query, please evaluate my answers if you do not have any additional concerns.

Wishing you safe surgery.

Warm regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar