If you’re scheduled for cataract surgery and you have a persistent cough, it’s natural to wonder whether taking a cough suppressant is safe before the procedure. The short answer is, possibly, but you should speak directly with your doctor or surgical care team before taking anything, even over-the-counter medications.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to know.
Why Pre-Surgery Medication Matters
Your eye doctor and surgical team will ask about all medications you currently use, including vitamins and supplements. This is because some medications, whether prescription or not, can interact with sedatives or other medications given during surgery. They may also affect your heart rate, breathing, or how your body reacts during the procedure.
Cough medications are no exception.
Some cough suppressants contain ingredients that can interfere with anesthesia or make it harder for your care team to monitor your breathing while you’re sedated. Others may contain alcohol or antihistamines that can make you drowsier than expected or cause mild dehydration, which isn’t ideal before surgery.
Types of Cough Suppressants and Ingredients to Watch
There are many kinds of cough medications available. Each has different active ingredients, and they don’t all work the same way. Here are the most common types you’ll see and how they might relate to your eye procedure.
Dextromethorphan (DXM):
This is the most common over-the-counter cough suppressant. While it’s generally well-tolerated, it can interact with sedatives or medications that affect the central nervous system. If you’re given any mild sedative during cataract surgery, taking DXM beforehand might make you unusually sleepy or dizzy.
Codeine-based suppressants:
These require a prescription. Codeine is a mild opioid and should never be taken without your doctor’s approval before surgery. It can slow down breathing, impact alertness, and increase the risk of complications during recovery. If your doctor prescribed this medication previously, make sure you tell your surgical team well ahead of your procedure.
Diphenhydramine (found in some nighttime cough formulas):
This is also an antihistamine, often included in products designed to help you sleep. It can cause significant drowsiness and mild dehydration, both of which are not ideal before surgery.
Natural or herbal cough remedies:
Honey, menthol lozenges, or herbal teas may seem harmless. However, even natural treatments can thin your blood or affect your body’s response to stress. Always mention them to your doctor, even if they don’t come in a bottle.
What to Do If You’re Sick Before Surgery
If you’re actively coughing, tell your doctor right away, even if the cough feels mild or manageable. This is not just about comfort. A strong or persistent cough can affect your ability to remain still during surgery. Even though cataract surgery is a quick procedure, it requires you to remain relaxed and steady throughout.
Coughing during the procedure might interrupt the process and cause delays. In some cases, if your cough is caused by an infection or if you have a fever, your surgery may need to be postponed for safety reasons.
Safe Steps You Can Take
If your throat is just irritated or dry and you’re not actively ill, there are usually a few things you can do that are safe and helpful:
- Stay hydrated. Water helps thin mucus and reduces throat irritation.
- Use non-medicated throat lozenges. These can soothe your throat without adding medication to your system.
- Avoid menthol-heavy cough drops or sprays unless cleared by your doctor.
- Use a humidifier at night. Moist air can help with dry coughs caused by indoor air or seasonal changes.
Communicating with Your Surgical Team
Always tell your surgeon and anesthesiologist about:
- Any over-the-counter medications you’ve taken in the last 48 hours
- Any prescription medications or recent changes in dosage
- Any symptoms you’ve developed in the days leading up to surgery
If you’ve taken a cough suppressant recently, bring the packaging or write down the name and ingredients. This gives your doctor all the details they need to give you proper guidance.
Even if your symptoms feel minor, your team will appreciate the full picture. This helps them plan the safest approach for your care.
Can You Reschedule Cataract Surgery?
Sometimes, your doctor may advise rescheduling your procedure. This is more common if your cough is due to a respiratory infection or if you’re feeling physically unwell. While it’s disappointing to delay the process, rest assured, this is done to protect your health.
A minor delay can help you avoid complications and allow you to recover fully before undergoing surgery. Cataract removal is a low-risk, high-reward procedure, so going into it in the best shape possible makes the recovery smoother.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If your cough began shortly before your surgery date, call your eye clinic or surgical team. Don’t wait until the morning of your appointment to bring it up. They may ask you a few questions or recommend a preoperative visit to determine whether your surgery should proceed as planned.
Also, let them know if you’ve recently recovered from a cold or illness but still have lingering symptoms, such as a dry throat or occasional cough. Even if you’re feeling mostly back to normal, your care team may want to make minor adjustments to your plan.
Taking care of your health before cataract surgery includes being mindful of even the smallest symptoms. Over-the-counter medications like cough suppressants may seem harmless, but they can interfere with sedatives or affect your body’s response during surgery. Always consult with your doctor before taking any medication in the days leading up to your procedure.
It’s better to ask in advance than risk complications during the recovery process.
Ready to take the next step toward a clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with SuraVision today to discuss your options and learn more about Cataract Surgery. Call us at 713-730-2020 or book your appointment online!