- You may have been prescribed an ANTIBIOTIC such as: PENICILLIN, AMOXICILLIN or CLINDAMYCIN.
- This medication is used to fight an existing infection or help to prevent one from developing. Antibiotics 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.
- 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 usually is 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 or have stomach ulcers.
- It is recommended to combine IBUPROFEN with the narcotic during the immediate post-operative period (2-3 days).
- This medication should not be taken on an empty stomach.
- You may have been prescribed PAIN MEDICATION (NARCOTIC) such as: PERCOCET (OXYCODONE), VICODIN (HYDROCODONE), TYLENOL-3 (CODIENE).
- Do not abuse this medication. Most of the pain you feel should be well controlled if you take the anti-inflammatory medication.
- The Narcotic MUST 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 medication, 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 you 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 or legs or difficulty breathing, call your doctor immediately and stop all medications. If you are having difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to the emergency department immediately.
- Do not substitute any medications prescribed without first checking with your doctor.
For other important surgical instructions, please click here.
