Eating and drinking before anesthesia or sedation

When and what can my child eat before the procedure?

For your child's safety, it is very important to have an empty stomach when anesthesia or sedation medicines are given. This is important because if vomiting occurs during the procedure, food or liquid can get into the lungs. If your child has had even a small amount to eat or drink, the procedure will be delayed or canceled.

Can I give my child's medicines?

Talk with your child's doctor about taking medicines before the procedure. If your doctor recommends a specific medicine, you may give it with a sip of clear liquid. Do not give medicines with pudding, applesauce, yogurt, or other foods

Eat and drink as usual until:

This includes rice cereal and thickeners
for milk or formula.

_____________________ a.m./p.m.

8 hours before scheduled arrival time

Milk or formula until:

_____________________ a.m./p.m.

6 hours before scheduled arrival time

Breast milk until:

_____________________ a.m./p.m.

4 hours before scheduled arrival time

Clear liquids until:

Clear liquids include: clear Popsicles^®,
apple juice, Gatorade^®, Jell-O^®, Kool-Aid^® or soft drinks

_____________________ a.m./p.m.

2 hours before scheduled arrival time

Nothing by mouth:

Including gum, candy and breath mints

_____________________ a.m./p.m.

2 hours before scheduled arrival time