Pre-transfusion Medications

[KKidd]

I am looking for information regarding giving a patient tylenol prior to a transfusion, Can this mask a significant febrile reaction? Our QA committee wanted to know if this is an acceptable practice and I wanted to check with other facilities. Thanks!!

:cool:

[Mabel Adams]

Physicians often pre-medicate with acetaminophen to reduce febrile reactions. I am sure it could mask a febrile reaction but most serious reactions would have other signs and symptoms as well. Hopefully the MD understands this balance between avoiding FNHTRs and masking serious ones. Pre-transfusion with benadryl is common too but it really should be reserved for patients that have a risk of allergic reactions. If used unnecessarily, it can make the patient sleepy and unable to report symptoms. I'm afraid that many docs just pre-treat with both drugs a lot of the time.