Premedication

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Premedication is a term used in medicine to describe the administration of drugs or medications before a medical procedure or surgery. The purpose of premedication is to reduce anxiety, decrease pain, or prevent or reduce side effects and complications.

Purpose[edit | edit source]

The main purposes of premedication are to:

  • Reduce anxiety: Some medications can help to reduce the anxiety that can be associated with medical procedures or surgeries. This can help to improve the overall experience for the patient.
  • Decrease pain: Pain can be a significant concern for many patients undergoing medical procedures or surgeries. Premedication can help to reduce the amount of pain that a patient experiences.
  • Prevent or reduce side effects and complications: Some medications can help to prevent or reduce the side effects and complications that can occur as a result of medical procedures or surgeries.

Types of Premedication[edit | edit source]

There are several types of premedication that can be used, including:

  • Sedatives: These are used to help reduce anxiety and help the patient relax.
  • Analgesics: These are used to help reduce pain.
  • Antibiotics: These are used to help prevent infections.
  • Antiemetics: These are used to help prevent nausea and vomiting.

Risks and Considerations[edit | edit source]

While premedication can be very beneficial, there are also some risks and considerations to keep in mind. These include:

  • Allergic reactions: Some patients may have allergic reactions to certain medications.
  • Drug interactions: Some medications may interact with other medications that the patient is taking.
  • Side effects: All medications have the potential to cause side effects.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Premedication Resources
Wikipedia
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD