How should I prepare for anesthesia?
Follow your anesthesia team’s instructions about eating, drinking, medications, and arrival time, and disclose your medical conditions, allergies, and prior anesthesia experiences. Ask before changing or stopping a prescribed medication.
The most important preparation is to give your care team complete medical information and follow the specific instructions they give you about medicines, eating and drinking, arrival time, and transportation. Do not change medicines or fasting instructions on your own.
Quick Summary
Before your procedure, be ready to discuss
- Your medical conditions and prior surgeries.
- All prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
- Medication allergies, adverse medication reactions, and other allergies (such as reactions to latex).
- Problems you or family members have had with anesthesia.
- Sleep apnea, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, smoking, alcohol, cannabis, or other substance use.
Why this information matters
Your health and medicines can change how your body responds to anesthesia and surgery. The anesthesia plan may need adjustments to reduce risk, such as choosing different medications, changing monitoring, or arranging additional evaluation.
Follow your personalized instructions
Eating, drinking, and medication instructions are individualized. Follow the personalized directions from your treating team rather than relying on generic rules online. If instructions are unclear or conflict with another clinician’s advice, contact the team before the procedure.
Plan for recovery and transportation
If you are receiving sedation or general anesthesia, you may need a responsible adult to take you home. You may also need to follow temporary activity restrictions. Confirm your transportation arrangements and personalized requirements with your care team before arriving.
Outside resources
Sources
Reviewed By
- Preliminary review:
- Emma Tran, OMS-II, Medical Student
- Physician reviewer:
- Russell McAllister, MD, FASA Verify certification and MOCA status (opens in a new tab)
- Board certification:
- Anesthesiology — American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA)
- Additional reviewer:
- Ronnie Pezeshk, MD
- Last reviewed: