What Medications Should I Avoid Before Septoplasty?

When preparing for nasal surgery, understanding what medications to avoid before septoplasty is as critical as the procedure itself. Medications and supplements that affect blood clotting, immune response, or interact with anesthesia can influence surgical outcomes. Patients considering septoplasty, especially when combined with turbinate surgery, need clear preoperative instructions to ensure safety and success.

If you're undergoing Septoplasty & Turbinate Reduction Oman, a structured pre-surgical protocol will often include a medication review. Your physician will recommend adjustments or temporary discontinuation of certain drugs to minimize risks during and after the operation.

Why Medication Review Is Critical Before Surgery:

The Importance of Medication Transparency:

Being transparent with your surgeon about all medications—prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and dietary supplements—is essential. Some compounds may increase the risk of bleeding, cause adverse reactions to anesthesia, or interfere with healing.

Your healthcare team needs a full list of medications and supplements to tailor a safe plan for anesthesia, post-operative pain control, and infection prevention.

When to Start Medication Adjustments:

Many medications should be stopped 7 to 14 days prior to surgery, but timelines vary depending on the drug. Always follow your physician’s instructions rather than stopping any medication independently. In procedures like septoplasty & turbinate reduction Oman patients are often advised to review their medication list at least two weeks in advance of the scheduled surgery.

Blood Thinners and Anticoagulants:

Why They Are Risky:

Blood thinners reduce the risk of clots but can cause excessive bleeding during surgery. In nasal surgeries, where even small bleeds can impair breathing and healing, this becomes a significant concern.

Common Anticoagulants to Avoid:

• Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid): Even baby aspirin may thin the blood enough to cause complications

• Warfarin (Coumadin): Requires detailed coordination with your cardiologist if prescribed

• Clopidogrel (Plavix): Commonly prescribed after stents or cardiac events

• Heparin and low molecular weight heparins (e.g., enoxaparin)

• Apixaban (Eliquis), Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Dabigatran (Pradaxa): Newer oral anticoagulants

What to Do:

Do not stop these medications without medical supervision. Your surgeon may coordinate with your prescribing doctor to determine a temporary pause or switch to short-acting alternatives before surgery.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):

Effects on Platelets:

NSAIDs impair platelet function, which plays a vital role in blood clotting. Their prolonged effect, especially when taken routinely, can increase bleeding risks during and after septoplasty.

NSAIDs to Discontinue:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

• Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)

• Diclofenac (Voltaren)

• Indomethacin, ketoprofen, and others in this class

Safer Alternatives:

For patients who need pain relief before surgery, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered safe, as it does not affect platelet function or bleeding.

Antidepressants and Mood Stabilizers:

Interaction with Anesthesia and Bleeding:

Certain antidepressants, especially SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), can influence platelet function. Others may interact with anesthesia or raise blood pressure during surgery.

Medications to Discuss With Your Doctor:

• Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine (Paxil)

• Venlafaxine (Effexor), Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

• Lithium, tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline)

Never stop psychiatric medications without medical guidance. Your surgical team may adjust timing or coordinate with your mental health provider.

Cold, Allergy, and Decongestant Medications:

Nasal and Oral Decongestants:

While septoplasty aims to improve nasal airflow, taking decongestants prior to surgery can elevate blood pressure and heart rate.

• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

• Phenylephrine

• Combination cold medications containing stimulants

Allergy Medications:

Some antihistamines may be permitted, especially if you’re managing chronic allergies, but others may interfere with post-operative medications or cause drowsiness during recovery.

Discuss all allergy medications and sprays with your doctor to determine if they should be paused or continued.

Birth Control and Hormonal Therapy:

Risk of Clotting:

Some oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapies can increase clotting risk. While they don’t necessarily cause surgical bleeding, they might raise the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during post-op recovery due to inactivity.

Your surgeon may advise stopping hormonal medications temporarily depending on your overall health and risk factors.

Medications for Chronic Conditions:

Blood Pressure and Diabetes Medications:

• Continue most antihypertensives, but inform your surgeon of all medications

• For patients with diabetes, insulin or oral medications may need to be adjusted due to fasting before surgery

• Medications like metformin may need to be stopped 24 hours before general anesthesia

Always follow specific instructions from your healthcare provider regarding how to manage chronic medications before surgery.

What You Can Typically Continue:

Certain medications are generally considered safe and should be continued unless specifically told otherwise:

• Thyroid hormone replacements (e.g., levothyroxine)

• Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole)

• Low-dose acetaminophen for mild pain

• Inhalers or bronchodilators for asthma

Still, each case varies, and your preoperative consultation is the best time to clarify which medications you should maintain or withhold.

Preparing for Septoplasty & Turbinate Reduction Oman: Preoperative Checklist:

One Week Before Surgery:

• Review all medications with your ENT specialist and anesthesiologist

• Stop blood-thinning medications if advised

• Discontinue all herbal and high-dose dietary supplements

• Avoid alcohol and smoking to improve healing potential

The Night Before Surgery:

• Do not eat or drink past midnight unless instructed

• Take approved medications with a small sip of water, if permitted

• Have a list of all medications you’ve taken and bring it with you

Day of Surgery:

• Wear comfortable clothing

• Do not wear makeup, nail polish, lotions, or jewelry

• Ensure you have a ride home and someone to monitor you post-procedure

Conclusion:

Understanding what medications to avoid before septoplasty is vital to your surgical success and smooth recovery. Blood thinners, NSAIDs, herbal supplements, and certain chronic medications can impact bleeding, healing, or anesthesia safety. Patients undergoing septoplasty & turbinate reduction Oman are encouraged to communicate openly with their surgical team about every drug or supplement they consume—no matter how minor it may seem.