Anesthesiologists need to be aware of the widespread use of these medications and the fact that patients often forget or are unwilling to discuss them. In addition, anesthesia providers should be aware that what is on the label is not always what is in the supplement. Lastly, it is important to know the effects that these medications can have and the potential drug interactions with anesthetic agents and other drugs the patient might receive as part of the hospital stay and surgery.

GENERAL INFORMATION LINKS:

If you have not already, please read the two articles previously published on this site - the first on "Herbal Agents and Anesthesia and the second dealing with a July 2001 study highlighting some of the dangers of herbal medications.

Also see:

• The National Institute of Health Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
• The National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

FINDING SPECIFIC HERBAL INFORMATION:
First, go to the index of agents which are listed alphabetically by name. There you will be able to choose the herbal supplement that you are interested in. This will take you to a page which has a brief summary of the anesthetic concerns associated with the substance in question.