Current Clinical Pharmacology - Volume 12, Issue 3, 2017

Background: As the prevalence of hypertension continues to increase, physicians routinely encounter patients preoperatively receiving one or more cardiovascular medications to manage hypertension. Thus, the physician's knowledge of perioperative antihypertensive medication management is crucial to ensure patient safety. Objective: We discuss the decisions to continue or stop antihypertensive medications to reduce the risk Read More

Background: Antiarrhythmic medications are an important tool in preventing recurrence of intraoperative and postoperative arrhythmias. Objective: To review current literature and recommendations for perioperative management of antiarrhythmic medications. Methods: Literature review is presented along with the pharmacology of antiarrhythmics. Results: Antiarrhythmic medications should be continued periopera Read More

Background: The prevalence of anticoagulant use has increased in the United States. Medical providers have the responsibility to explain to patients the management of anticoagulant regimens before an invasive procedure. The pharmacologic characteristics of these medications, specifically their half-lives, are important in timing an interruption of anticoagulant therapy. Objective: The authors review the current guidelines an Read More

Background: Coronary artery disease is a common comorbidity encountered during the perioperative period. Whether patients are scheduled for cardiac or noncardiac surgery, this cardiovascular disease must be addressed in the preoperative period to decrease the accompanying risks and potential postoperative problems. Lipid-lowering medications are often used to treat hyperlipidemia, a risk factor for the development o Read More

Background: Given the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in modern society, health care providers are frequently tasked with managing glucose control in the perioperative period. When determining perioperative diabetes management, the clinician must balance the need to maintain relative euglycemia at the time of surgery with preventing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in a fasting surgical patient. This balance req Read More

Background: Pain continues to be the most common medical concern, and perioperative health care providers are encountering increasing numbers of patients with chronic pain conditions. It is important to have a clear understanding of how long-term use of pain medications impacts anesthesia during the intraoperative and postoperative periods. Objective: To review common medications used to treat chronic pain an Read More

Background: Psychotropic medications are being used increasingly as analgesics and for other off-label indications for patients with and without psychiatric conditions. While the pharmacology of most of these drugs is now known, their interaction with anesthetic drugs and implications of regular use are still relatively unclear. Objective: We discuss the pharmacology, side effects, and potential medication interactions with a Read More

Background: Optimizing a patient for surgery is a central goal during the preoperative period. Patients with common neurologic disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis may require special attention in the perioperative management of their neurologic medications. Objective: This review aims to organize the most current recommendations for neurologic medication manage Read More

Background: Pulmonary conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common conditions that warrant special consideration in the perioperative period. When these patients undergo surgical interventions, they have risk of complications such as bronchospasm, hypoxia, and even postoperative respiratory failure that warrant unplanned intensive care unit admission. Thus, clinician Read More

Background: No clear guideline exists for the management of female hormone therapy in the perioperative period. Besides oral contraceptives (OCPs), hormone medications have been prescribed to treat cancer, osteoporosis, and menopausal symptoms. Since the introduction of OCPs in the 1960s, the thromboembolic risk associated with these medications has been studied and alterations have been made in the hormon Read More

Background: A considerable portion of the US population uses herbal supplements on a daily basis for their various proposed beneficial effects. However, the over-the-counter nature of these medications and lack of knowledge of adverse effect profiles can have unexpected serious impact on the perioperative course. The growing list of supplements presents a pharmacologic conundrum to the anesthesiologist. Objective: T Read More