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The peri‐operative implications of herbal medicines
Author(s) -
Hodges P. J.,
Kam P. C. A.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2044.2002.02781.x
Subject(s) - medicine , valerian , kava , ginkgo biloba , traditional medicine , ginseng , adverse effect , phytotherapy , herbal supplement , over the counter , alternative medicine , pharmacology , medical prescription , pathology
Summary An increasing number of patients are taking herbal medicines such as echinacea, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St John's Wort, valerian, ephedra, kava, grapefruit juice and ginger. Although these herbal medications are considered ‘natural’ products that may have some benefits, adverse effects such as increased bleeding tendencies and drug interactions are associated with their use. Surgeonsand anaesthetists may be unaware of their patients' use of these medications because it is common for patients not to disclose their use of this form of medication, and both surgeons andanaesthetists often fail to enquire about their use. Anaesthetists and surgeons must be familiar with the effects of herbal medicines and should specifically enquire about the use of herbal medicines during pre‐operative assessment. Currently available data suggest that all herbal medicines should be ceased 2 weeks before surgery.