Issues for surgery
For supplementation, or treatment, of vitamin B deficiency – risk of deficiency if omitted for prolonged period.
For treatment, or prophylaxis, of Wernicke's encephalopathy – worsening of neurological symptoms and potential irreversible neurological damage if omitted.
Advice in the perioperative period
Elective surgery
Continue.
Emergency surgery
Continue.
Patients with suspected or known excess alcohol intake
In patients with suspected excess alcohol intake consider commencing Pabrinex® (withhold thiamine whilst on intravenous supplementation).
Post-operative advice
Restart at patient’s usual dose once enteral intake resumes. If prolonged nil-by-mouth period anticipated, consider intravenous supplementation with Pabrinex®.
Interactions with common anaesthetic agents
None.
Interactions with other common medicines used in the perioperative period
None.
Further information
None relevant.
References
Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (online) London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 16th September 2023]
Summary of Product Characteristics – Thiamine 50mg Tablets. Flamingo Pharma (UK) Ltd. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk 16/09/2023 [date of revision of the text March 2019]
Baxter K, Preston CL (eds), Stockley’s Drug Interactions (online) London: Pharmaceutical Press. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 16th September 2023]