Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Getting ready for an epidural steroid injection means following some important steps. At Liv Hospital, we make sure you know what to do before your procedure. This helps make sure it goes well.

Many patients often ask, “can you eat or drink before an epidural steroid injection?” It’s key to know what foods and drinks to avoid. If you’ll be getting sedation, don’t eat or drink for at least six hours beforehand. This step is to keep you safe during the injection.

Telling your doctor about your medications and herbal supplements is also important. This lets us give you advice that fits your needs and helps keep you safe during the whole process.

Key Takeaways

• Avoid eating or drinking for at least six hours before the procedure if sedation is planned.
• Inform your doctor about all medications and herbal supplements you’re currently taking.
• Follow the pre-procedure guidelines provided by Liv Hospital to ensure a successful injection.
• Understanding dietary restrictions is key for a safe procedure.
• Personalized guidance is available to help you prepare for your epidural steroid injection.

Understanding Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are a common treatment for back, neck, and joint pain. They involve putting medication into the space around the spinal cord. This helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure. Steroid medication is injected into the epidural space. This reduces inflammation and swelling around the spinal nerves. It helps alleviate pain from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.

Common Conditions Treated with Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections treat various conditions, including:

• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Thoracic disc herniation
• Degenerative disc disease

These conditions cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the back, neck, and limbs. This is due to compressed or inflamed nerves.

How the Procedure Works

The procedure involves several steps:

1. The patient is positioned on an X-ray table, either on their stomach or side.
2. The injection site is cleaned and sterilized.
3. A local anesthetic is administered to numb the area.
4. Using fluoroscopic guidance, the physician inserts a needle into the epidural space.
5. A contrast dye may be injected to confirm the correct placement of the needle.
6. The steroid medication is then injected into the epidural space.

Understanding epidural steroid injections helps patients prepare for the procedure. It also helps them know what to expect during recovery.

Why Preparation Matters for Your Injection

Getting ready for your epidural steroid injection is very important. It helps lower risks and boosts benefits. Taking the right steps before your procedure can greatly affect its success and safety.

Safety Considerations

Preparation is key for safety reasons. Tell your healthcare provider about any allergies, like to medications or iodine. Also, if you think you might be pregnant, let your doctor know.

Key safety considerations include:

• Disclosing any allergies to medications or substances
• Informing your doctor if you’re pregnant or suspect you might be
• Bringing relevant medical records, such as X-rays or MRIs, on the day of your treatment

Reducing Complication Risks

Good preparation can also lower the chance of problems during and after the procedure. Managing your medications and following dietary advice can help a lot.

Steps to reduce complication risks:

1. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding medication management
2. Adhere to any dietary restrictions or guidelines provided
3. Disclose your full medical history to your healthcare provider

Optimizing Treatment Outcomes

Preparation is not just about safety; it also helps make your treatment more effective. Being well-prepared ensures the procedure works as well as it can.

To get the best results, follow your healthcare provider’s advice on preparation. They might give you specific instructions on medication, diet, and other important factors.

Tips for optimizing outcomes:

• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully
• Attend any pre-procedure consultations or appointments
• Ask questions if you’re unsure about any aspect of your preparation or treatment

General Pre-Procedure Guidelines

Knowing how to prepare for an epidural steroid injection is key. It makes the treatment safer and more effective. Follow these steps to make sure the procedure goes smoothly.

Timeline for Preparation

Start preparing for your epidural steroid injection a few days early. Make sure you have someone to drive you home. You might feel sleepy from the sedation.

Always tell your healthcare provider about all your medications. This includes any pain relievers or blood thinners. It helps avoid any problems during the procedure.

Communication with Your Healthcare Provider

Talking openly with your healthcare provider is very important. Share any worries, questions, or health history that might affect the injection.

“Clear communication with your healthcare provider is key to a successful procedure. Be sure to ask any questions you have and provide a thorough medical history.”

Medical Expert

Medical History Documentation

It’s important to document your medical history accurately. Share details about any past health issues, allergies, or surgeries.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking. Some might need to be changed or stopped before the procedure.

Can You Eat or Drink Before an Epidural Steroid Injection?

Knowing what to eat or drink before an epidural steroid injection is key. The rules depend on if you’ll get sedation or not.

Fasting Requirements with Sedation

If you’ll get sedation, you should fast for at least six hours before. This means no solid food to avoid complications.

Fasting Requirements without Sedation

Without sedation, fasting rules might be different. Always follow what your doctor tells you.

Exceptions for Essential Medications

Even when fasting, some medicines are okay. You can take them with a bit of water. Talk to your doctor about your meds.

Clear Liquids: What’s Allowed

You might drink clear liquids up to two hours before. This includes water, tea, and clear juices. But check with your doctor first.

Following these tips helps make your epidural steroid injection safe and successful. Always talk to your doctor for advice that fits your needs.

Medication Management Before Your Procedure

Knowing how to manage your meds before an epidural steroid injection is key for your safety. Your healthcare provider will guide you through several important steps.

Creating a Complete Medication List

The first step is to make a detailed list of all your medications. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter items, and supplements.

“It’s vital to tell your healthcare team about all your medications and supplements,” they say. This helps them check for any risks or interactions. Your list should include:

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medications
• Supplements and herbal remedies

Prescription Medications

Prescription drugs are given by your doctor for specific health issues. It’s important to keep taking them as directed, unless your doctor tells you to stop. Some prescription drugs might need to be adjusted or stopped before your procedure to avoid risks.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are available without a prescription. These include pain relievers and antihistamines. Tell your healthcare provider about any OTC drugs you’re using, as some might need to be stopped before your epidural steroid injection.

Supplements and Herbal Remedies

Supplements and herbal remedies can interact with other drugs or affect your procedure. It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about any supplements or herbal remedies you’re using. They will tell you if you should keep taking them or stop before your injection.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about your medications. This helps avoid complications and ensures the best results for your epidural steroid injection.

As a patient, your role in managing your medications is critical for a successful procedure. By being informed and following your healthcare team’s advice, you can ensure your safety and the success of your treatment.

Blood Thinners and Anticoagulants: Special Considerations

Blood thinners and anticoagulants need extra care before an epidural steroid injection. These drugs help prevent blood clots but can raise the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure.

Common Blood Thinners to Avoid

Some blood thinners should be stopped before your epidural steroid injection. Here are a few examples:

• Warfarin (Coumadin): usually stopped 4-5 days before the procedure.
• Dabigatran (Pradaxa): often discontinued 1-2 days before, depending on kidney function.
• Rivaroxaban (Xarelto): typically stopped 1-2 days prior.
• Apixaban (Eliquis): generally stopped 1-2 days before.
• Aspirin: may be stopped 7-10 days before, but this varies based on the reason for its use.

Timing of Discontinuation

The time to stop blood thinners varies. It depends on the drug, kidney function, and procedure risks. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice on when to stop and start your blood thinner.

When Blood Thinners Cannot Be Stopped

In some cases, stopping blood thinners is not safe. Your healthcare provider will weigh the risks and benefits. They may take extra steps during the procedure to reduce bleeding risks.

Telling your healthcare provider about all medications, including blood thinners, is key to your safety. We suggest talking about your medications well before your procedure.

Why No Ibuprofen Before Epidural Steroid Injection

Using ibuprofen before an epidural steroid injection can be risky. Ibuprofen is a pain reliever, but it can increase the chance of bleeding. This is because it affects how blood clots.

How NSAIDs Affect Bleeding Risk

NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, stop the body from making prostaglandins. These are important for blood to clot. Taking NSAIDs before an epidural steroid injection can make bleeding more likely.

Bleeding risks associated with NSAIDs include:

• Increased risk of hematoma formation
• Prolonged bleeding time
• Potential for significant blood loss

Timeframe for Stopping NSAIDs

To lower the risk of bleeding, patients should stop NSAIDs before the procedure. The exact time depends on the NSAID and the patient’s health.

Alternative Pain Management Options

There are safer ways to manage pain before an epidural steroid injection. Options include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Certain prescription pain medications, under the guidance of a healthcare provider

Talking to your healthcare provider about pain management is key.

“The decision to stop NSAIDs before an epidural steroid injection should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account the patient’s medical history and current health status.”

— American Society of Anesthesiologists

Pain Medications You May Be Able to Take

When you’re getting ready for an epidural steroid injection, knowing which pain meds are okay is key. Some medications might be okay to take to help manage your pain before the procedure.

Can I Take Gabapentin Before an Epidural Injection?

Gabapentin is often used for nerve pain and might be okay before your epidural. But, you should talk to your doctor first. They’ll look at your situation and tell you if you should keep taking gabapentin or stop it for a bit.

They’ll consider a few things:

• Your current dosage and treatment plan
• The reason you’re taking gabapentin
• Any possible interactions with other meds

Can I Take Tylenol Before an Epidural Injection?

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is usually safe to take before an epidural, unless your doctor says not to. But it’s very important to listen to their advice on how much to take and when.

Other Permitted Pain Medications

Other pain meds might be okay before your epidural too. The most important thing is to talk to your doctor. They can help figure out the best pain meds for you.

Talking openly with your healthcare provider about your medications is very important. This ensures your epidural steroid injection goes smoothly and safely.

Steroid Medications and Your Injection

It’s important to know how steroid medications affect your epidural steroid injection. These medications can change how the injection works and your health. Knowing this can help your treatment succeed.

Can You Take Oral Steroids Before a Steroid Injection?

Telling your doctor if you’re on oral steroids is key. This info shapes your treatment plan. Oral steroids can change how your body reacts to the injection. Your doctor might need to make changes for the best results.

Prednisone Considerations

Prednisone is a common oral steroid. If you’re taking it, talk to your doctor about your injection. They’ll tell you if to keep taking it, adjust it, or stop it to avoid problems.

If you’re on prednisone, watching your health closely is important. Your doctor might suggest changing your prednisone dose around the time of your injection.

Diabetes and Steroid Medications

For people with diabetes, steroids can make blood sugar harder to control. They can raise blood sugar levels. You’ll need to work with your doctor to keep your sugar levels in check.

Here’s a quick guide for those on steroid medications getting an epidural steroid injection:

By understanding these points and talking to your doctor, you can reduce risks. This way, you can get the most out of your epidural steroid injection.

Antibiotics and Epidural Injections

Understanding antibiotics is key when getting an epidural steroid injection. These injections help with spinal problems like herniated discs and spinal stenosis. But, antibiotics before the injection are used with care.

Why No Antibiotics Before Epidural Injection

Usually, antibiotics aren’t needed before an epidural steroid injection unless it’s really necessary. This is because antibiotics can lead to resistance and bad reactions. Also, the chance of infection is low if the injection is done properly.

Key considerations for antibiotic use include:

• The presence of an active infection
• A history of previous infections or compromised immune systems
• The use of certain medications that may increase infection risk

Exceptions for Specific Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions might need antibiotics before an epidural steroid injection. For example, people with a history of infections, those with prosthetic joints, or those with weak immune systems might need them. Always talk to your doctor about your health history.

“The decision to use antibiotics should be based on a thorough assessment of the patient’s risk factors and medical history.” – American Society of Anesthesiologists

Prophylactic Antibiotics: When They’re Needed

Prophylactic antibiotics are for those at high risk of infection during an epidural steroid injection. The table below shows when these antibiotics might be recommended:

Always follow your doctor’s advice on antibiotics before an epidural steroid injection. They will look at your risk factors and health history to decide.

Alcohol and Recreational Substances

Before getting an epidural steroid injection, it’s important to know how alcohol and recreational substances can affect it. We tell patients to not drink alcohol or use recreational substances before the procedure. This is to keep them safe and make sure the treatment works well.

Can I Drink Alcohol Before an Epidural Steroid Injection?

Drinking alcohol before your epidural steroid injection is not recommended. Alcohol can raise the chance of problems like bleeding or infection. It might also make the procedure less effective.

Effects of Alcohol on Procedure Safety

Drinking alcohol can cause:

• More bleeding because it stops blood from clotting
• Slower healing and a higher chance of infection
• Problems with medicines used during the procedure

Effects of Alcohol on Procedure Safety

Alcohol can make your epidural steroid injection less safe. It can mess with your body’s ability to stop bleeding and heal. It’s important not to drink alcohol for a few days before your procedure.

Other Substances to Avoid

Other recreational substances can also be risky. These include:

Disclosure to Your Healthcare Provider

Telling your healthcare provider about alcohol and recreational substance use is key. This lets us figure out any risks and make sure you’re safe during the procedure.

Your honesty about substance use is vital for a safe and effective treatment plan.

Conclusion

Preparing for an epidural steroid injection is important. You need to understand the procedure and manage your medications. Also, making smart choices about your diet and lifestyle helps.

We talked about the need to follow dietary rules. This includes fasting before the procedure, depending on the sedation. It’s also important to avoid alcohol and drugs.

Managing your medications is another key step. You might need to stop taking blood thinners and NSAIDs. But you can keep taking some pain medications.

By following these steps and talking to your doctor, you can lower the risk of problems. This way, you can get the most out of your treatment.

In short, getting ready well is essential for a good epidural steroid injection. Stick to the advice and work with your doctor. This will help you get the best results from your treatment.

FAQ

References

1. Walega, D. R., & Kaye, A. D. (2014). Epidural steroid injections: indications, complications, and patient management. Ochsner Journal, 14(3), 350-358.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4173574/
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Guideline for the prevention of infections associated with vascular access devices, including epidural catheters.
   https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/bsi/index.html