MEDICATIONS AFTER SURGERY

For most patients, two medications will be prescribed for use after surgery- a pain medication and a laxative. Prescriptions will either be sent to you prior or just after your procedure/surgery.The pain medication we prescribe will be either VICODIN, PERCOCET, or LORTAB. If you know that one works better for you than another, please let us know. VICODIN and LORTAB can be called in over the phone to your pharmacy; PERCOCET requires a written prescription.

When your pain prescription is filled by your pharmacy, please check carefully for the amount of acetaminophen (Tylenol) in each tablet. Tylenol is a standard part of most pain medications such as VICODIN and PERCOCET. Excessive amounts of Tylenol taken over a few days may cause liver damage / failure. The amount of Tylenol per tablet should be limited to 325mgs. At this dosage, it is safe to take up to 2 tablets every 4 hours for pain.

All narcotic medications have the potential to cause nausea and vomiting. To best prevent this problem, pain medicine should be taken with a small amount of food. Should any nausea persist despite your precaution, please call our office.
Another common side-effect of prolonged narcotic use following surgery is constipation. To avoid this problem, stay well-hydrated. Increasing your activity level with frequent walks can also be helpful. If you are prone to constipation, we recommend taking an over the counter laxative available at any drugstore or the prescription laxative we prescribe to you. If constipation persists, please call our office.

Be very careful not to combine alcohol and pain medication. One increases the effect of the other, making for a potentially dangerous situation. Alcohol may also make medications

(e.g. antibiotics) you are taking ineffective or may potentiate their effect.

We recommend continuing the homeopathic treatment ARNICA MONTANA for one week following surgery. Please follow the dosage instructions listed on the packaging.