PATIENT INFORMATION
Can I take my morning tablets with a sip of water?
Often, medicines that the anaesthesia team wants you to continue can be taken with a small amount of water, but this depends on the medicine and local fasting protocol.
Why this question matters
Some morning medicines are important to take, even while fasting. Others should be withheld on the day of surgery. The decision concerns both the medicine and the amount and timing of water permitted for your procedure.
How to get it right
- Obtain a written list of which medicines to take and which to omit on the morning of surgery.
- Check how much water is allowed, and until what time.
- Take only the medicines on your “take” list.
- Bring all your medicines, or the list, to the hospital.
- Tell the team exactly which medicines you took that morning, and at what time.
Special situations
- Medicines that must be taken with food: ask what to do while fasting.
- Large tablets or several tablets: ask whether more water is needed.
- Liquid medicines or dissolving tablets: check whether they are allowed.
- Vomiting before surgery: tell the team if you could not keep your medicines down.
If you are unsure whether to take a particular medicine, contact the team responsible for your procedure rather than guessing.