while you are here in the hospital. It covers you for 3 months so you can start this
medication at any time once you have received your surgery date.
2. Chlorohexidine Body Wipes: These wipes are to be used after your shower the day
before surgery and again the morning of surgery to clean your skin.
3. Amiodarone: You will receive three (3) tablets. Take one at breakfast, lunch and dinner
the day before your surgery only. This medication will reduce the chance of an irregular
heart rhythm known as Atrial Fibrillation. This irregular rhythm occurs in about 40% of
the cardiac surgery patients. Please do not be alarmed regarding the list of side effects
that can occur with this medication. You are only taking three doses.
4. Statin: If you are not already on this cholesterol lowering medication, one pill will be
ordered for you to take the night before surgery.
5. Beta Blocker: If you are not on a beta blocker, which is a type of medication that helps
relax the heart, such as Lopressor (Metoprolol) or Coreg (Carvedilol), one dose will be
ordered for you to take the evening before your surgery. If you are already on this
medication, please take your routine dose the morning of surgery with a very small sip of
water.
There are groups of blood pressure lowering medications called ace inhibitors (ACE),
angiotensin receptor antagonist (ARBS) that will need to be held at least 36 hours prior to your
surgery date. Any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) such as Advil can increase the
risk of bleeding as well as post-operative kidney problems and these also need to be stopped at
least 36 hours prior to surgery.
Following are a list of some of these medications:
1.
Vasotec (Enalapril)
6. Diovan
2.
Altace ( Ramipril)
7. Benicar
3.
Accupril
8. Celebrex
4.
Lisinopril
9. Avapro
5.
Losartan
10. Advil
11. Motrin
**If you have any questions regarding any of the above, please contact the Cardiothoracic
Clinical Care Coordinators:
Jen Gopez, APN (908) 239-5492
Lina Shi, APN (732) 354-2848
Christine Savarese, APN (732) 673-7746
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