Glibenclamide, Gliclazide, Glimepiride, Glipizide, Tolbutamide |
Issues for Surgery |
Increased risk of post-operative infection and delayed wound healing due to poor glycaemic control if omitted. Hypoglycaemia if continued during nil by mouth period. |
Advice in the Perioperative period |
Elective Surgery Sulfonylureas should be taken as normal the day prior to surgery1. Morning Surgery Twice daily dosing – omit the morning dose on day of surgery1 Afternoon Surgery Twice daily dosing – omit both doses on day of surgery1 Emergency Surgery In the event of emergency surgery and the patient has already taken their sulfonylurea dose(s) monitor blood glucose levels closely and treat any hypoglycaemia accordingly. Perioperative Considerations Commence variable rate intravenous insulin infusion (VRIII) perioperatively where indicated (see Further Information) and omit sulfonylurea during VRIII treatment1. Ensure emergency treatment of hypoglycaemia is prescribed i.e. Glucogel® and 20% dextrose. Rapid acting insulin should also be prescribed1, 2. Post-operative Advice Restart once eating and drinking normally and VRIII (where applicable) has been stopped1, 2. The dose of sulfonylurea may need to be withheld or reduced if food intake is likely to be reduced1. NB: Patients undergoing afternoon surgery and taking twice daily sulfonylurea will restart their medication the day after surgery, once they are eating and drinking normally and VRIII (where applicable) has been stopped. |
Interaction(s) with Common Anaesthetic Agents |
None2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. |
Interaction(s) with other Common Medicines used in the Perioperative Period |
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Caution with concomitant use of NSAIDs as they may cause hypoglycaemia3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. |
Further Information |
VRIII Patients with a planned short starvation period (no more than one missed meal in total) should be managed by modification of their usual diabetes medication, avoiding VRIII wherever possible. Patients expected to miss more than one meal should have VRIII1. |
References |
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