Can zyrtec be taken before surgery?

Are you scheduled to have surgery soon? Is your head swimming with questions and concerns about the dos and don’ts before going under the knife? Fear not, my friends! We’re here to help. This article will focus on one particular query that we hear time and time again: Can zyrtec be taken before surgery? Let’s dive in!

What is Zyrtec?

First things first, let’s get acquainted with Mr. Zyrtec himself. Zyrtec (Cetirizine) is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose caused by asthma or hay fever.

Why Would You Want To Take It Before Surgery?

You might wonder why someone would want to pop an allergy pill before going into surgery at all! Well, that’s because some surgical procedures can trigger allergic reactions due to exposure from certain materials used during the procedure like latex gloves or cleaning solutions.

How Does Zyrtec Work?

Zyrtec works by blocking histamines – chemicals produced by your body when encountering allergens – which cause inflammation and other unpleasant side effects like hives (shudder). By taking Cetirizine before coming into contact with any potential allergens within a hospital environment during a surgical procedure, you are lessening your risk of suffering from these sorts of adverse reactions.

However…

The Elephant In The Room

Now comes the disclaimer for those who may be hoping for a more definitive answer: “It depends!” Unfortunately folks; it isn’t as simple as ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

Different Surgeries Call For Different Precautions

Some surgeries require different precautions than others when it comes to medications both over-the-counter (OTC), prescription drugs or supplements. Certain surgeries may call for you NOT to take Zyrtec or any other medication because it may interfere with certain anesthetics, painkillers, and other medications that will be administered during the procedure.

Common Types Of Surgeries And How They May Affect Zyrtec

  • Dental Procedures – While dental procedures typically don’t require general anesthesia (putting you to sleep!), they do involve injections of local anesthetic near nerves. Your dentist or oral surgeon might recommend holding off on taking Zyrtec before a procedure due to its potential drowsiness side effect as well as depending upon the type of painkiller prescribed afterward.
  • Eye Surgery – Many people suffering from allergies tend to get irritated eyes. This is also one reason why taking allergy medication like Cetirizine prior to surgery can help alleviate this particular concern in addition to avoiding contact lenses immediately beforehand used for vision correction that might slow down surgical time.
  • Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery -The use of cosmetic treatments can cause allergic reactions if the individual has a history of such issues. Some surgeons suggest stopping allergy antihistamine treatment 1-2 weeks before plastic surgery precisely in order not only avoid mild symptoms but also severe complications during recovery times after lipoSculpture or other more invasive work.

Confused? Talk To Your Doctor

Of course, your best bet is always speaking with your doctor about whether zyrtec should be taken ahead of any surgical procedures you are about to undergo (5 stars!) There’s no substitute for medical advice when it comes to making decisions concerning our health.

Preparing For Surgery In General

In addition instead however one decides,. there are some basic guidelines everyone should keep in mind pre-surgery:

  • Give The Anesthesiologist Accurate Medical History Info: Make sure you’ve listed all medications currently being taken (including aspirin), herbs/at-home remedies and their dosages; provide smoking/drinking history too!
  • Pre-Op Diet & Lifestyle Changes: Depending on prescribed procedure, your surgeon may recommend changes to your diet or activities leading up to the day of surgery. Better safe than sorry!
  • Abstain From Eating/Drinking Too Close To Surgery © Did you know consuming food or drink within 12 hours prior general anesthesia is prohibited? This can make a real difference when getting ready.

In Conclusion

All in all, it’s entirely possible that Zyrtec could be taken before surgery depending on the type and extent of the medical procedures being carried out (5 stars!) However; always follow recommendations as directed by an AMA physician for safety sake!

Stay healthy, folks!

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