From the Guidelines
Patients taking muscle relaxers, such as baclofen, should continue taking their medication on the day of surgery, including the morning of the operation, as recommended by the Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) consensus statement 1. When it comes to surgery preparation, it's essential to follow the NPO guidelines for food and drink, typically 8-12 hours before surgery. However, muscle relaxers can usually be taken with a small sip of water during this period. The key consideration is to inform your healthcare team, including your surgeon and anesthesiologist, about all the medications you're taking, including muscle relaxers, along with their dosages. This information will help your healthcare team make informed decisions about your care and provide personalized instructions on which medications to continue or discontinue before surgery. Some muscle relaxers may interact with anesthesia medications or affect muscle response during surgery, so it's crucial to have this information reviewed by your healthcare team 1. By continuing your prescribed muscle relaxer regimen and following the NPO guidelines, you can help ensure a smooth and safe surgical experience. It's also important to note that the available literature on perioperative guidance for muscle relaxants is limited, and the SPAQI consensus statement provides valuable guidance on the management of these medications in the perioperative period 1.
From the Research
Preoperative Considerations for Women Taking Muscle Relaxers
- The decision to stop taking muscle relaxers before surgery depends on various factors, including the type of surgery, the specific muscle relaxer being taken, and the patient's individual health status 2, 3.
- There is limited evidence to suggest that muscle relaxers need to be stopped before surgery, but it is generally recommended to follow a multimodal analgesic technique to minimize the risk of adverse effects 3.
- For women undergoing surgery, it is essential to discuss their medication regimen with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action 2, 3.
NPO Status and Muscle Relaxers
- NPO (nil per os) status, which means nothing by mouth, is typically ordered for a certain period before surgery to reduce the risk of aspiration 4.
- The duration of NPO status may vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient's individual health status, but it is usually 12 hours or more before the scheduled surgery time 4.
- Muscle relaxers may be continued or stopped during the NPO period, depending on the healthcare provider's instructions and the patient's individual needs 2, 3.
Risks and Benefits of Continuing Muscle Relaxers
- Continuing muscle relaxers during the perioperative period may be beneficial for pain management, but it also carries the risk of adverse effects, such as delirium, particularly in older adults 2.
- The benefits and risks of continuing muscle relaxers should be carefully weighed, and the decision to continue or stop the medication should be made in consultation with the healthcare provider 2, 3.