Objective: This study was undertaken to quantify the use of chronic medication and herbal remedies in the presurgical population.
Study design: Prospective multicenter survey.
Patients and methods: Adult patients presenting for anaesthesia were directly asked if they were currently using chronic medication or herbal remedies.
Results: Among 1057 patients (age 54+/-17 yrs, woman 54%, ASA 2 [1-4], 74%) were taking one or more chronic medication. The most commonly used treatments were, in descending order angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin-II receptor blockers (15%), beta blockers (11%) and platelet inhibitors (10%). Also, 9% were taking one or more of the following herbal remedies known to interact with the perioperative period: valeriane, ginseng, ginkgo, St John's wort, echinacea and ephedra. Women and patients aged 40-70 yr were most likely to be taking a herbal product (p<0.001 and p<0.01 respectively).
Conclusion: Chronic medication and herbal remedies are common in patients presenting for anaesthesia. Because of the potential interactions between anaesthetic drugs or techniques and such medication it is important for anaesthetists to be aware of their use.