Can I take my regular medications before an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)?

Can I Take My Regular Medications Before an MRI?

Yes, you should continue taking your regular medications before an MRI scan unless specifically instructed otherwise by your physician. There are no general contraindications to taking oral medications prior to MRI, and maintaining your usual medication schedule is typically recommended for patient safety and optimal health management.

General Medication Guidelines

• Continue all routine medications as prescribed, including those taken on the day of your MRI scan 1.
• Most oral medications do not interfere with MRI imaging quality or safety 1.
• Maintaining therapeutic drug levels is important for managing chronic conditions during the examination 1.

Specific Medication Considerations

Medications That Should NOT Be Stopped

• Cardiac medications (blood pressure medications, heart medications) should be continued to maintain cardiovascular stability during the scan 1.
• Diabetes medications can generally be continued, though specific timing may need adjustment if fasting is required for certain contrast-enhanced studies 1.
• Seizure medications must be continued, as seizures can affect imaging quality and patient safety, particularly in patients with brain metastases or neurological conditions 1.
• Immunosuppressive medications do not need to be withheld prior to MRI with gadolinium contrast 1.

Medications Requiring Special Attention

• Nephrotoxic medications (such as NSAIDs, aminoglycosides) do not need to be withheld before standard-dose gadolinium contrast administration in patients with normal kidney function 1.
• For patients with severe kidney disease (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²), nephrotoxic drugs may need adjustment, but this decision should be made by your ordering physician, not based solely on the MRI appointment 1.

Contrast-Specific Considerations

Gadolinium-Based Contrast (Most Common for MRI)

• No premedication is required for patients with shellfish or iodine allergies, as these are not risk factors for gadolinium reactions 2, 3.
• Patients with prior severe reactions to gadolinium contrast may require premedication, but this would be arranged in advance by your radiologist 1.
• Metformin (diabetes medication) can be continued in patients with normal kidney function receiving gadolinium contrast 1.

Medication Patches and Topical Agents

• Remove all medication patches (such as nicotine, fentanyl, or nitroglycerin patches) before entering the MRI scanner, as they can cause burns due to metallic components in some patches 1, 4.
• Topical medications without metallic backing are generally safe but should be disclosed during screening 5.

Fasting Requirements

• Most MRI scans do not require fasting, and you can take your medications with water as usual 1.
• Exception: If you are having an MRI with sedation or certain abdominal MRI protocols, you may be instructed to fast for 4-6 hours beforehand 1.
• Even when fasting is required, essential medications (heart, blood pressure, seizure medications) should still be taken with small sips of water 1.

Sedation Considerations

• If sedation or anesthesia is planned for your MRI (common in pediatric patients or those with severe claustrophobia), specific fasting and medication instructions will be provided in advance 1.
• Sedation should be administered as late as possible after any radiotracer injection but before imaging begins 1.
• Anxiolytics (such as oral benzodiazepines) can be considered for patients with mild to moderate claustrophobia and do not need to be withheld 1.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not stop chronic medications without explicit instruction from your physician, as this can lead to disease exacerbation or withdrawal symptoms 1.
• Do not assume shellfish or iodine allergies require medication changes or premedication for MRI—this is a common misconception that does not apply to gadolinium-based MRI contrast 2, 3.
• Do not confuse CT contrast protocols with MRI protocols—iodinated contrast (used in CT) and gadolinium contrast (used in MRI) have different safety profiles and requirements 1.
• Always disclose all medications during your MRI safety screening, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and patches 1, 5, 6.

When to Contact Your Physician

Contact your ordering physician or the MRI facility before your appointment if:

• You have severe kidney disease and are scheduled for contrast-enhanced MRI 1.
• You have had a previous severe allergic reaction to gadolinium contrast 1.
• You are taking medications via an infusion pump that may not be MRI-compatible 1.
• You have questions about specific medication timing related to your scan 1.