You may have been prescribed several medications after your surgery. This information is being provided to serve as an added explanation to any given by your doctor or surgical assistant.
Antibiotics
You may have been prescribed an Antibiotic such as: Penicillin, Amoxicillin, Clindamycin, Augmentin, Azithromycin, Doxycycline. This medication is used to fight an existing infection or help to prevent one from developing. Antibiotics can make birth control pills less effective. If you are using oral contraceptives, consider using an alternative method of birth control during the entire cycle of pills in which the antibiotic was taken and continuing 10 days in the next cycle. It is suggested to consider taking an over-the-counter probiotic with the antibiotic to aid in digestive comfort.
Over The Counter Medication
You may have been advised to take and Anti-inflammatory Medication such as Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). These medications reduce swelling and control mild to moderate pain. The pain after surgery is usually controlled by this medication if you take it as prescribed. For adults, the suggested dose is 600mg every 6 hours or 800mg every 8 hours. Do not take if you are allergic to aspirin, have stomach ulcers, take additional blood thinners, or have been told to avoid them by your physician. It is recommended to use ibuprofen as the first line for pain relief. A rotation of ibuprofen and acetaminophen tends to work the best. If this is not sufficient you may supplement the narcotic pain medication to the ibuprofen, alternating them every 3-4 hours. They work very well when taken in an alternating fashion. You can take both together before bed to help maximize pain relief while you sleep. This medication should not be taken on an empty stomach.
Narcotic Pain Medication
You may have been prescribed Pain Medication (Narcotic) such as: Percocet (Oxycodone/Tylenol), Vicodin/Norco (Hydrocodone/Tylenol), Tylenol #3 (Codeine/Tylenol). Do not abuse these medications. Most of the pain you feel should be well controlled if you take the anti-inflammatory medication. The Narcotic should be taken with food. Most patients take the narcotic pain medication for 1-3 days after the surgery and then use only the anti-inflammatory medication.
The three different types of medications listed (Antibiotic, Anti-inflammatory, and Narcotic Pain Medication) may be taken together. Occasionally, you may develop an upset stomach or diarrhea. If this occurs, contact the doctor. In the meantime, try stopping the Narcotic Pain Medication. Six hours later, if your stomach problems persist, stop the antibiotic. Remember to contact your doctor.
If you develop any signs of an allergic reaction such as itchiness, rash, swelling of your arms, legs, chest or difficulty breathing, call your doctor immediately and stop all medications. If you are having a severe reaction, difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to the emergency department immediately.
Do not substitute any medications prescribed without first checking with your doctor.
