Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 5/9/2009

Question
Dad is having surgery next week. I have been reading about drugs used. Many drugs say they can't be administered to those with irregular heart beat or high blood pressure.  Dad is allergic to many meds.  He almost died taking Xanax. So he can't have any of those medications.  What could be the safest form of anesthesia for him given his allergy. I know I will get an answer at hospital but would like to load my gun. Appreciated.


Answer
There is no such thing as a drug that can't be used for people with arrythmias or high BP (you just need to use them cautiously). Obviously you can't take meds that you are allergic too but as long as he knows what they are, that shouldn't be a problem. There are numerous drugs we can use depending on health issues, type of surgery, etc, so I can't really answer your question other than to tell you that any anesthesiologist will be able to chooose the right drugs for your dad.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston