Is unisom a medication that needs to be cut off prior to surgery?

Question

Is unisom a medication to be cut off prior to lower facelift and neck lift. The unisom is used for both sleep and allergies. This type is doxylamine succinate tablets 25mg. I’ve noticed other allergy medications were on the list, however didn’t see this listed. Is it safe or should it be stopped two weeks prior? Thanks in advance!

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Unisom is an antihistamine that is commonly used as a sleep aid. This does not have any anticoagulation or antiplatelet effects, so it should be fine before surgery. After surgery, patients should take care when mixing sleep aids and pain medication in order to avoid becoming overly sedated. Take care and best of luck!

Michael Boggess, MD · Answer

Hello.  Thank you for your question.  Unisom is an antihistamine with the active ingredient Doxylamine.  I personally would not have a problem with a patient taking this medication in the perioperative period.  However, every surgeon has a different protocol for their patients prior to surgery.  I would encourage you to ask your primary surgeon about this, so that you can be certain that there will be no potential for delaying your procedure.  I wish you the best in achieving your aesthetic goals.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

However, these drugs sometimes have ingredients that do not make it onto the ingredients list.  For that reason, I would recommend speaking with your surgeon and getting their direct recommendation.  The sleep aids that say things like "night time plus" can definitely contain blood thinning products like aspirin.  Follow the instructions of your surgeon very carefully to minimize complications like severe bruising that delay healing.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear li_ca,every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Craig R. Dufresne, MD · Answer

Dear li_ca,
Thank you for your question. Usually it is safe to continue this medication through surgery.

J. Timothy Heffernan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Unisom is not on our pre operative stop list, however every surgeon has different protocols. You should check with your doctor. Best of luck, Dr. Heffernan

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Many over-the-counter medications have multiple ingredients in them, so is always very important read the entire label on each product.  It is always best to check with your operative surgeon about any medications taken either immediately before or after a facelift procedure

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Contact your surgeon and the anesthesia department to discuss your medications.     Your medical history is taken into consideration where medications are concerned.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Li_ca, In my practice I have my patients bring all of their medications they are taking into the office during their pre-operative appointment. Each one is reviewed with the anesthesiologist and the patient is informed which medications to stay on and which ones to stop. This will also include all OTC medications and herbs and vitamins. Many medications can cause bleeding and should be stopped at least two weeks prior to any surgery. Contact your surgeons office with your question so they can advise you of whether or not they would like you to continue or stop your Unisom. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Is unisom a medication that needs to be cut off prior to surgery?

Answers (9)