POST-OP MEDICATION

INFORMATION SHEET
 You may have been prescribed an ANTIBIOTIC such as: PENICILLIN,
AMOXICILLIN or CLINDAMYCIN.
o 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 ANTI-INFLAMMATORY medication such as
IBUPROFEN (ADVIL OR MOTRIN).
o 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 or have stomach ulcers.
o It is recommended to combine IBUPROFEN with the narcotic
during the immediate post-operative period (2-3 days).
o 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
(CODEINE).
o Do not abuse this medication. Most of the pain you feel should be well
controlled if you take the anti-inflammatory medication.
o The narcotic MUST be taken with food.
o 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 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 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.