Pre & Post Sedation Instruction

Before your sedation

Please follow these instructions carefully. If you cannot do any of them, call us before your procedure.

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled 1 appointment time.
• Do not eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours before the procedure. This includes sweets, chewing gum and milk. Sips of water with essential chronic medication are allowed unless we tell you otherwise.
• Empty your bladder (or your child’s bladder) shortly before the procedure.
• You must have a responsible adult escort. They need to take you home and stay with you for up to 6 hours afterwards. Please
  arrange this in advance — an e-hailing service such as Uber is not a suitable escort, and sedation cannot go ahead if you arrive alone.
• Tell us about all medication you take, including herbal remedies, supplements and anything prescribed in the last 6 months.

Weight-loss or diabetes injections (Ozempic, Wegovy and similar)

If you take a GLP-1 injection such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Mounjaro or Trulicity, please tell us as soon as possible and let us
know when your last dose was. These medicines slow down the emptying of the stomach, so the usual 6-hour fasting rule may not
be enough to keep you safe. We may ask you to fast for longer, to stick to clear fluids the day before, or to delay your appointment.
Please do not stop the injection on your own — speak to the doctor who prescribed it first.

Children: EMLA numbing patch

Apply an EMLA patch (available from any pharmacy) 1 to 2 hours before the procedure — one over the largest vein on the back of
your child’s right hand, and one on the inside of the right elbow. The patch numbs the skin so that your child does not feel the
injection. If you cannot get hold of a patch, please let the doctor know.

Feeling unwell?

To keep sedation safe, we sometimes have to reschedule. If you or your child have two or more of the following symptoms, please
let us know as early as possible:

• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Temperature above 38°C
• Malaise, fatigue or body aches
• Nasal congestion or runny nose

After your sedation

• Full recovery can take up to 12 hours, although most people feel like themselves again within 2 to 3 hours.
• Nausea and vomiting can happen, but are uncommon.
• You may eat and drink soon after the procedure, as directed by your doctor.
• Do not drive or operate machinery for 12 to 24 hours afterwards — preferably not until the next day.
• Do not sign any legal or other important documents until the next day.
• Do not drink alcohol or take herbal agents or home remedies for at least 6 hours.
• Children should not be left unsupervised for at least 2 to 3 hours after the procedure.

If you are worried about anything at all after your procedure, phone us on 021 910 2193 or contact your treating doctor.